Page 61 - A Soldiers Exposition

MEMORY

Someplace near the beginning of these writings, I mentioned dementia. Let’s take a few minutes to try to
understand the impact of dementia.

“Dementia isn't a specific disease. Instead, dementia describes a group of symptoms affecting intellectual
and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning. Many causes of dementia
symptoms exist.”

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/dementia/DS01131

“Vascular dementia is a general term describing problems with reasoning, planning, judgment, memory
and other thought processes caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow to your brain. Vascular
dementia also can result from other conditions that damage blood vessels and reduce circulation,
depriving your brain of vital oxygen and nutrients.” http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vascular-
dementia/DS00934

My dementia has been diagnosed as “… is not of the generalized Alzheimer or Vascular type. It is likely
more related to environmental toxic exposure while serving in the military and aggravated by the
expected cognitive symptoms of PTSD. His cognitive limitations are primarily limited to mathematical
computations.” Source: VA neurological and psychological examinations.

My dementia affects my working memory.

We should take a moment to understand the difference between Short-Term Memory and Working
Memory.

As it has been explained to me:

Short-term memory, also known as active memory, is the information we are currently thinking about.
Most of us would refer to it as our conscious mind. The information found in short-term memory derives
from paying attention to sensory memories.

Short-term memory is often used interchangeably with working memory, but the two should be utilized
separately.

Working memory refers to the processes that are used to temporarily store, organize and manipulate
information.

Short-term memory, on the other hand, refers only to the temporary storage of information in memory.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke defines dementia as:

“A word for a group of symptoms caused by disorders that affects the brain; it is not a specific disease.
People with dementia may not be able to think well enough to do normal activities, such as getting
dressed or eating. They may lose their ability to solve problems or control their emotions. Their
personalities may change. They may become agitated or see things that are not there.”

http://www.alzinfo.org

In my situation, the reference: “They may lose their ability to solve problems.” fits me best. Several years
ago I lost a portion of the so-called Executive Functioning Skills. Most of what is described below are
applicable to me. But the area that has taken the worst toll on me is the loss of my math skills.

Executive Functioning permits us to access information, think about solutions, and implement those
solutions.