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.
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:
Memory changes that disrupt daily life; missing a monthly bill payment is normal.
Challenges in planning or solving problems
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
Confusion with time or place; forgetting which day it is and remembering it later is normal.
Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships
New problems with words in speaking or writing; sometimes forgetting which word to use is normal.
Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps; losing things from time to time is time is normal.
Decreased or poor judgment; making a bad decision occasionally is normal.
Haha, you should see the number of half-finished books laying around my living room. I start one and then walk into the study to grab a pen, while there I see another book with a catchy title so I sit there and start that one too. While looking for a pen that I don't find, I reach into my purse for the pen and discover the novel I took to the doctor's office to read in case of delays and then start reading that one. Don't get me started on household chores that I start and never finish yet I'm exhausted at the end of the day.
OP, you don't know how happy I am to learn that I'm not an isolated case at forgetfulness
Ha! I've been like that my whole life! I didn't know that other people DON'T do that. Don't worry, everyone, it's not fatal to be ditzy, just embarrassing!!
Case in point, right now I have headphones in one ear so I can listen to music while watching the video. The washing machine is running, the sink is half full of dishes that I started washing an hour ago, I have swept the kitchen and gotten out the mop, and I put my stethoscope beside the computer so I'll remember to put it in my work bag. I have paid three bills, but I got up to check on the washing machine before I paid the rest, and when I came back I was distracted by AN!
Sometimes I think it's a miracle that I get anything done at all.
CT Pixie, BSN, RN
3,723 Posts
If you've accomplished all that you don't have the 'disorder' heehee.