How would you react if this happened to you?

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   Pacal Votanposted 14 years ago

   A friend of mine complained a lot that she found learning new things was becoming harder for her as she was growing older. Then one time we actually started talking about this and I told her that I didn't know what to do about it, because it was happening to me too. I too found it harder to learn than when I was 16. I hoped that this would comfort her a bit.
   
   But when she heard it she almost through a party about it. She said something to the effect that it was so great that I too had this problem and that it wasn't just her.
   
   I laughed with her, because I was glad she was somewhat relieved, but this just kept bugging me ever since.
   
   What do you think? Is it natural to react this way?

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      AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      As we grow older so does our brain all of us experience at one time or another it is a part of life so I am joining both of you yes I have the same problem too!

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         Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         But we can still try to do something about it, can't we? Some people don't seem to have these symptoms at all.

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            Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

            You can do something about the loss of information, to an extent. You really cant do anything about the fact that it is harder to learn new information. Babies learn to talk just by listening to thier parents. I couldnt learn a new language that way now.
            As far as "seem"...its just that, not everybody is going to talk aobut it.

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            AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            We need to use it more, work on things that are more complicated.

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      bloodnlatexposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Depending on what you are trying to learn, sometimes it is easier when you are younger, but somethings are easier when you're a bit older. 
      To me it sounds like your friend is struggling to learn something, and was starting to think that there was something wrong with her.  All she wanted to hear was that she is not alone and other people have a hard time picking up new things as well.  As soon as she knew she wasn't alone, she was elated.  She no longer thought that there was something wrong with her. 
      Relax, it's natural.  Sometimes you have to tell people what they want to hear.  It's cool.

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      alliartist8posted 14 years agoin reply to this

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   habeeposted 14 years ago

   I think her response was natural - depending on the ages of you and your friend. I'm 51, and I find it harder to recall things now. It makes me feel better when my friends the same age say they're experiencing the same thing. It makes me feel like there's nothing "wrong" with me - that it must just be part of the natural aging process since others are feeling the same way. Your friend's reaction was probably just one of refief.

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      Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I think you are right. I just thought it was well-known that this happens to most of us.

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   Justine76posted 14 years ago

   Learning IS harder as you get older.
   She was probably very worried, thinking something was seriously wrong with her. Finding out someone else feels the same, was a relief. It isnt that she thinks something is wrong with you, she is happy to find nothing is wrong with her.

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      Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, Justine. I'll go with this then.

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         Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

         well, Im older then you, and I am a girl. and I worry about stuff. So, when I find out Im "normal" it makes me happy. Thanks for posting this tho, I never thought that a reaction of that sort would be upsetting to the other perosn. It makes sense now that you say it. I honestly dont think she meant any harm.

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            Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Yes, I know. And I was happy that she felt better by it. It's just that there was this big celebration too. But I know she was thinking of herself, not me. I usually don't show my feelings this openly if I think it might be insensitive. But that's just plain bad for me, I guess.

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               Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

               you just happen to be a little more thoughtful and considerate then most. GOOD for you.

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   Poppa Bluesposted 14 years ago

   No one wants to feel like they are facing something alone. I wouldn't be upset with her reaction.

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   habeeposted 14 years ago

   Yes, Pacal. I've done a bit of research about this and even wrote a hub about it. My mom and grandmother both had Alzheimer's, so naturally, I worry about developing it. I do all kinds of cognitive exercises to keep my brain active.

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      Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      There is this book I came across. I think it's called 'The Better Brain Book' and it deals with the subject extensively. Have all sorts of useful info. I can even send it to you if you want.

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   frogdroppingposted 14 years ago

   I love to learn. I don't know that I learn quicker or slower as an old age pensioner. In fact if anything, my memory remains as sharp as it ever did.
   
   I have a wonderful talent for remembering useless information for example. A great ability, especially at a pub quiz evening
   
   As for your friend, she probably felt relief, as one or two others have already stated. Relief in the fact that she wasn't crumbling alone

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      Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      awww, lucky. I love to learn, and love to hear usless facts, but tend to forget them the minute they are uttered. I dont know if its age, or just my lack of concentration.

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      Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Now, here is a real life example. I don't think the frog has any problem with learning.

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   habeeposted 14 years ago

   Hi, Froggie! I also love to learn, and I'm a whiz at trivia. What I sometimes have trouble remembering are things from years past. Luckily, I have old friends to help, and when there's something they can't remember from when we were kids, I can often fill in the gap. Together, we have great collective memory! lol

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   Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

   Well I think my short term memory is shot.

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      Jo Woodwardposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha

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   Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

   Well I think my short term memory is shot.

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      Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      whats extra funny, is it double posted!!!

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         Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         lol It was either purely intentional or she is telling the truth.

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      Jo Woodwardposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Why me laugh?

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    Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

    Did I tell you that my short term memory is shot?
    
    
    
    I double-posted intentionally

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       Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       see, extra funny.  oh wait, did I say that already?

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          frogdroppingposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I don't know. Did you?

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             Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

             dude, what?

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    bloodnlatexposted 14 years ago

    there seems a lot of double tak in here

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    Pacal Votanposted 14 years ago

    Fortunately, the forum is for short-minded people. It retains all data.

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       frogdroppingposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Please explain what that means, in a way I can understand easier.
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       What was it you were talking about Pacal?

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          Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          lol So you are in the mood. I saw yesterday's chit-chat too.

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       Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Oh yeah, the only problem is, I aslo have a short attetnion span and dont like reading thru pages of old posts...
       oh yeah, I was going to email you today...

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          Pacal Votanposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I just quoted this so you won't forget.

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             Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

             bump
             oh yeah, I forgot, we aren't supposed to that anymore.  I have to go, a friend is calling, Ill check back in later.
             hugs

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                frogdroppingposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                I'll remind you. In case you forget.
                
                Hopefully someone else will remind me what it is I'm intending to remind you about

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                   Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                   did you ever tie a string around your finger, and later see it, and think...why the hell is there a string on my finger?

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                      bloodnlatexposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                      I never understood that.  Why wouldn't you just write a note and put it in your pocket.  What in the hell is a string gonna do besides cut off circulation?

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                         Justine76posted 14 years agoin reply to this

                         but whats going to remind you to look at the note?

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                            bloodnlatexposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                            What's gonna remind you of what the string is for?  The whole thing is flawed.

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                               lyricsingrayposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                               

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                                  bloodnlatexposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                  I just laugh at it too Lyrics

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                                     lyricsingrayposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                     xoxo

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                            myownworldposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                            ANOTHER note silly!!

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                               bloodnlatexposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                               I just tell someone to remind me.  That way if I forget, it's not my fault.

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                      frogdroppingposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                      I always wondered when my dog would show up. Even if I no longer had one

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    Justine76posted 14 years ago

    hahahahha
    just look at all the funny faces.
    darn, now I have to pee again...

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    Justine76posted 14 years ago

    whats up with the gigantic space you cant erase when you try to  quote/reply?

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    Zsuzsy Beeposted 14 years ago

    There was an article not so long ago published by the Alzheimer Society that doing one or more of Sudoku, crossword, logic puzzles etc daily gives the brain fine tuning exercises. I'm an avid puzzle solver but still can't figure out how to change the time on the VCR/DVD player...

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    lyricsingrayposted 14 years ago

    How are Peeps today?

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    alliartist8posted 14 years ago

    I's only natural as people get older.  that's why, writing yourself notes & become organized, helps.   But, making her feel she wasn't alone was probably the best comfort she needed.

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18. 92

    rmcrayneposted 14 years ago

    Lot of great comments here Pascal, but don’t be too quick to dismiss your initial gut reaction.  As a clinician, and as a person with multiple family members with Alzheimer’s, my gut is twitching on this. 
    
    What was your gut telling you when you posed this question?  Did you fear your friend was looking for an “out” when perhaps she may have issues a little more serious? 
    
    Yes we may experience changes in our abilities as we age.  It is definitely known that memorization tasks become more difficult, but our comprehension tends to improve.  Many later-in-life students have been pleasantly surprised by their school success.  Yes memory issues are more common in the elderly than with the young.  Yes confusion is more common with the elderly, but confusion at any age can be dementia, and age trends aside, it is always a concern.  Women may have thyroid- or menopause- related memory issues.  Significant stress can impact memory and other cognitive functions.  Untreated sleep apnea can dramatically impact cognitive skills.  Significant memory issues at age 50 or 60 would be concerning. 
    
    If it were me, I would tell my friend that since our discussion, I had some nagging concerns, and felt a strong need to discuss it some more.  Ask her for examples of the kinds of trouble she is having.  Maybe this will set your mind at ease, or clarify that perhaps your friend should further explore her cognitive status with her provider. 
    
    Sometimes examples are dramatic.  A client told me once she had memory issues.  Her example was losing her favorite tea pot and much later finding it in the bedroom closet.  That was much more than an example of memory problems.  Please ask for examples of her difficulties in learning new things.

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    RedElfposted 14 years ago

    Sounds like good advice to me ...what what your question??
    
    Just kidding - you might want to follow up with your friend...
    
    You found my dog? Thank you froggy!

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