Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder

Do you ever have one of those days where it seems like you've been busy all day... yet at the end of the day you look around and can't see that you've really accomplished anything?? You wonder what in the world happened to the day. What were you doing all day long? You remember starting several activities... You know you did something because you are very tired. Nurses Announcements Archive Article

Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder

Does this sound familiar?

Let me tell you more about this disorder. But wait just a few minutes while I go get something to eat.

Hmmmm...before I do that, I need to check to see if there are any new posts on allnurses...

But wait...I better check my email first.

Now, where was I??????????

You get the idea...

Is it that we have too many things to do or get distracted too easily...or what?? Maybe we have lost a few brain cells as we've grown older. Who knows. One thing is for certain... whatever it is...it is definitely frustrating!!

We start wondering. Do I have dementia? Gee, I seem to be forgetting things more often... names of people...

  • I go upstairs to get something and by the time I get there, I forget what I have gone there to get.
  • I go to the grocery store for just a few items and don't take a list. I get there and for the life of me, I can't remember that last item. (At least I can remember where I parked the car.)
  • You start to tell a friend a story... You get part-way through, and you can tell by the look in your friend's eyes that they have already heard that story......from you.

Does this sound familiar???? Oh...sorry...I already asked that. I forgot.

Let me put your mind at ease. I got an email today that explains the entire thing. It has a diagnosis now. "Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder." I don't know if it will be covered under Obama Care or not. But at least it does have a name and it isn't fatal.

So watch this video for more information. Enjoy!!

Now I don't want anyone to think I am making light of true dementia or Alzheimer's disease. I realize those are serious conditions and are not funny at all. So please do not take any offense. This article is merely to let us laugh at ourselves for normal forgetfulness that happens to us.

How do you know if a spouse, parent, friend or loved one has memory issues that could signal the onset of Alzheimer's disease or if you need to seek medical advice? The Alzheimer's Association developed Ten Warning Signs that identify areas of concern surrounding memory versus the normal aging process. The warning signs are simple and straightforward and can be used by anyone. They do not need to be administered by a medical professional; however, having one or more of the warning signs should be followed up with an evaluation by a physician or other medical professional.

Ten Warning Signs:

  1. Memory changes that disrupt daily life; missing a monthly bill payment is normal.
  2. Challenges in planning or solving problems
  3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
  4. Confusion with time or place; forgetting which day it is and remembering it later is normal.
  5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
  6. New problems with words in speaking or writing; sometimes forgetting which word to use is normal.
  7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps; losing things from time to time is time is normal.
  8. Decreased or poor judgment; making a bad decision occasionally is normal.
  9. Withdrawal from work or social activities
  10. Changes in mood and personality

To read more of my articles, go to my AN blog: Body, Mind, and Soul

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tnbutterfly - Mary

About tnbutterfly - Mary, BSN

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Yes! I have that! Now what was I planning to do before I noticed your thread and thought I'd just take a quick glance at it, but then noticed there was a video, and thought I might as well look at the video now instead of later, because I might forget to watch the video later, and...rofl.gif

I took your article in the spirit intended but I'm glad you posted the warning signs. I think most of us have been impacted by the real disorder either through work or family, and we can still poke fun at our own frailties!

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Specializes in CCU, Geriatrics, Critical Care, Tele.

Great article! That video made me laugh, only because I can relate so much to it :) Thanks for the laugh!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

LOL!!!!!

And, yet another s/s....... talking to yourself.

Just the other day, I was outside, came back in the house and my husband asked if I had been talking to someone on the phone. No, I answered, then asked could he hear what I was saying. He could, but not all and it hit me that I had this whole conversation with myself ... out loud ... complete with questions and answers and resolved whatever I was talking to myself about.

So, I think I will keep an earpiece on me at all times so people think I am on the phone and not talking to myself. Problem solved. :)

It's healthy to talk to myself, right?

Yes, it is. I see nothing wrong with it.

But, when others start to take notice ... should I ....

No, you shouldn't.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
clapaq4.gif I resemble that video!!!!!! rotflmaoke0.gif
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Hahahahaha! This is ME all over! I'm glad someone has finally put a name to it-I was beginning to think I was going nuts!

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I've noticed lately that I'll start doing something with one hand, like flipping through papers, and the other hand will be doing something else, like opening a book to find a spot. That can't be good!!

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.
I've noticed lately that I'll start doing something with one hand, like flipping through papers, and the other hand will be doing something else, like opening a book to find a spot. That can't be good!!

Wonder if that is related to a split personality.

Or the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. And the brain doesn't know what either hand is doing. LOL

You are just a talented multi-tasker.

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

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Gotta love Maxine!!!!

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

thank yew....typed with one toe and my nose after washing a dish and feeding the dog and ironing half a shirt and eating part of a cookie....

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Specializes in cardiac CVRU/ICU/cardiac rehab/case management.

Yep, 2 thoughts in my head, these day is becoming a serious case of over crowding!

I actually tell pts now " Please don't be offended .I am not going to remember your name. No sense in faking it. I accept where I am it. So,when I stare at you blankly ,which I am confident I will, could you please help me out and just tell me your name."

The pt seem to get a kick out of it too !

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Specializes in Peds, Med-Surg, Disaster Nsg, Parish Nsg.

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I am with you on forgetting names.

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