Does Memory Come Back?

I think that eladers account is basically correct, memories of events that occured during the untreated period are not likely to return- this is because they have not been "encoded" correctly. Memory is a very complex process that the neuropsychologists are still trying to understand but they do know that it involves a variety of structures in the brain some of which are involved in short term/immediatte recollection and then others that allow events to be layed down in long term memory. I have had to deal with some memory problems due to MS flares and i have definately found that one particular relapse that had quite dramatic effects on congnitive effects including memory have resulted in a permanent gap in memories despite making a good recovery. I know its distressing to lose chunks of family life like this but at least now that you have effective treatment you should not have the same problems. As for memories that you have missed- you can use others and family photos/videos to lay down a version of memories that you have missed- its less than ideal but it does help

Yeah I have huge chunks of times past just missing or that seem very hazy. I don't think they'll ever get clearer because they have to be formed at the time. My memory for things that happen more recently has improved, though.

kebsa wrote:I think that eladers account is basically correct, memories of events that occured during the untreated period are not likely to return-

If that is true, then why can't I forget my first marriage?

Jason S. wrote:If that is true, then why can't I forget my first marriage?

Maybe it's the monthly checks you're still writing!

Jason S. wrote:

kebsa wrote:I think that eladers account is basically correct, memories of events that occured during the untreated period are not likely to return-

If that is true, then why can't I forget my first marriage?

Traumatic events are incorporated using different processes

My sleep doc, who is also a board certified neurologist, says all the abuse of my brain during the untreated years left "spiders" (scars) throughout my brain's grey matter. Despite all of this, I am convinced my memory remains 100% intact and picture perfect.

Now recall? I can't recall sh**! I can't recall which relatives are still living and which are dead. I rent a movie and a few minutes into it, I realize I have seen it before. But I watch it anyway because I can't recall how it ends (or how the plot builds for that matter). My wife has to tell me about all the good times we had over the years. I have the most difficulty with names and not just names from the past.

No the memories won't return. Those spiders destroyed things and they aren't coming back.

I could brag about my history and how extremely sharp my memory and IQ once were. But those days are over. I recently took some tests that point squarely at ADD. Everything related to memory and intellect is much harder now. I think I am doing things now that I won't remember in one year. But look on the good side: With CPAP my odds of being alive in one year have greatly improved! And since I do a lot of stupid things, not remembering them is not such a bad thing.

I'm hopeful for the younger ones who haven't lost 10-15 years to OSA, but I think it may be too late for some of us older guys. For me it's simply too late for memory, but the daily fog is gone and my reasoning skills are back. I can function well and even though I can't remember why I'm at the store, I at least drove there safely.

Its stuff like the names of movies or movie actors that I know I know, but can't recall, that really pisses me off and calls to my attention how my memory has been compromised.

The upside is I now have an excuse for not remembering what my wife asks me to do (memory loss caused by OSA) or listening to what she says (ADD caused by OSA). Hey, its worth a shot, but we all know that dog don't hunt.