Does Memory Come Back?

[LinkC]

One of the symtoms that lead me to the OSA diagnosis was periods of disorientation and "CRS syndrome" (can't remember sh**!)

After nearly three months of CPAP, all the other symptoms have subsided to some degree, except my memory. My wife mentioned our vacation last fall (Sept), and I had no recollection at all of it. She talked about some of the highlights/activities and I remembered a few after she reminded me, but ONLY those details. Also, details about many past events at work are gone.

Anyone else experience this? And does the memory eventually come back? I can remember things that happen now (since CPAP)...but is the year or so prior to starting therapy gone forever?

[tattooyu]

LinkC, I think that is a most valid and poignant question. I'm wondering the same thing.

[Wulfman]

One of the symtoms that lead me to the OSA diagnosis was periods of disorientation and "CRS syndrome" (can't remember sh**!)

After nearly three months of CPAP, all the other symptoms have subsided to some degree, except my memory. My wife mentioned our vacation last fall (Sept), and I had no recollection at all of it. She talked about some of the highlights/activities and I remembered a few after she reminded me, but ONLY those details. Also, details about many past events at work are gone.

Anyone else experience this? And does the memory eventually come back? I can remember things that happen now (since CPAP)...but is the year or so prior to starting therapy gone forever?

WHAT memory???

And, considering that you're married.........that might have some bearing on it, too......

Den

[LinkC]

LOL Good point, Den!

Heck, I counted on her to remember stuff for me even BEFORE all this started.

[Wulfman]

LOL Good point, Den!

Heck, I counted on her to remember stuff for me even BEFORE all this started.

You can ALWAYS count on a wife remembering "stuff" (the most minute details) of things that happened YEARS ago.

Yeah, I'm married, too.......can speak from experience.

Den

[elader]

Neurobiology isnt my field (genetics is), but I would think that memories you have not assimilated while being untreated for apnea are gone. Processes in your brain that 'cement' the memories in place, can be rejuvenated, but the lost memories are lost. Now, if you can't remember long ago memories, maybe that can be strengthened. I would suggest trying some memory exercises. I bet they are available on the web.

My short term memory was shot before I was treated for OSA. I feel its much improved now.

[tattooyu]

WHAT memory???

And, considering that you're married.........that might have some bearing on it, too......

Den

Of course! I'm married too. Duh, she's my external hard drive!

[MrSandman]

I forgot your question.

I have noticed something that is so wonderful and it is concerning movies. When I watch movies now I see and hear so many things I never did before. Movies I have seen many times over the last 20 years. I watch them again and it is like watching them for the first time.

This is the one MAJOR thing I have noticed since being consistent with cpap. I know it relates to many other areas in my life but this thing with movies just blows my mind. I can actually keep the characters and stories straight. This has given me so much hope for what else will improve. I didn't even know I had a problem before with movies. Similar for commercials although I don't really wish to remember them.

I also cut down from 40mg of Lexapro to 20mg and now 10mg.

I also have many more days that are positive although I still have a ways to go there.

I have to say though that life is a lot harder when you are tired all the time. I used to say I was just too tired to care or to fight and I just let people walk all over me. I am getting stronger and better at standing up for myself. I look back at many things I have said or done or thought and I am embarrassed. I still slip but usually when sick and no cpap.

My anxiety level is also about 1/4 what it was before I decided to make this cpap work.

[6PtStar]

I don't think the gray cells that you killed due to oxygen deprevation will come back!! But, the ones that are left do tend to work harder with a renewed oxygen supply. Yea, I am married too. With the help from her i am ALMOST up to 100%; at least that is what she tells me.

Jerry

[BeanMeScot]

Unfortunately, I believe what is gone is gone. I know a guy who has been on CPAP for a few years. He says he remembers nothing of about 6 months before he got on the hose. Years later, it's the same.

On the other hand, I think the future of your memory is so bright...

[Wulfman]

From a slightly more serious side, I think I did have some problems with short-term memory prior to therapy.
However, as I (now) sit here watching "Jeopardy" with my wife (like we do almost every night), I do pretty good with lots of the questions.......at least the ones that are within the categories I'm remotely familiar with.

On the other hand, my first marriage is 16 years I don't TRY to remember.

And.....tonight (just now) I DID "guess" the final Jeopardy question correctly.


Den

[J Neutron]

This discussion reminds me of the "buffalo theory" which I found somewhere on the internet. It originally applied to alcohol, but could be adapted...

On one episode of "Cheers!", Cliff is seated at the bar describing the Buffalo Theory to his buddy, Norm. I don't think I've ever heard the concept explained any better than this...

"Well you see, Norm, it's like this... A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the lowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members.

In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine.

And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers."

I am guilty of performing my own independent testing of this theory.

Jim

[Gale Hawkins]

Neurobiology isnt my field (genetics is), but I would think that memories you have not assimilated while being untreated for apnea are gone. Processes in your brain that 'cement' the memories in place, can be rejuvenated, but the lost memories are lost. Now, if you can't remember long ago memories, maybe that can be strengthened. I would suggest trying some memory exercises. I bet they are available on the web.

My short term memory was shot before I was treated for OSA. I feel its much improved now.

This agrees with my understanding of how memories are stored.

[crossfit]

Well, a single person's experience isn't scientific but I definately am getting my memory back. I have much fewer moments where I can't remember things. On the other hand, I am the wife and from what I am hearing, maybe its expected of me to remember more??? lol

[Bigburd2008]

My memory is shot. This makes every day a whole new day and every memory a different version than your wifes.