Barbara J. Hamby

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Memory Preservation

Yesterday I attended a Memory Group meeting here in King City. I was curious about the purpose of the gathering and I’m always eager to learn as much as I can to preserve my own memory. The facilitator is a volunteer for the Alzheimer’s Association and very knowledgeable about the latest research, as well as support systems available for patients and care givers.

As I listened to the participants share information and ideas, I thought how helpful it would have been to have such support when I was caring for my mother. It may or may not have been available, but I wasn’t aware of it.

Because I do a lot of reading, some of the information on dementia is already part of my knowledge. But I’m sure there’s an infinite amount of data that I’ve not seen. The facilitator will be furnishing me with a book and other materials for further study.

I have to tell you that I had a bad moment when I had to look at my driver’s license to get my house number so I could give her my address. I did remember the name of the street I live on. It occurred to me that it’s probably a bad idea to use those little address labels that we all receive hundreds of from charitable organizations. If I had to write my return address on each envelope I send, I’d probably remember it more easily. With email and online bill payments, however, I don’t mail as many envelopes out as I once did.

Anyway I’m looking forward to picking up as many tips as I can to help me save and use the brain cells I have left. Since I’ve been working the Jumble puzzle in the newspaper every day for the past several years, it’s become easier to do. I probably need to tackle a harder word puzzle. I really don’t want to spend time that I could use for writing working crossword puzzles.

Of course I’ll continue my water exercise program and my writing as long as I can. Cooking is my nemesis these days. I seem to have trouble with what little I do that mostly consists of heating food. The multi-tasking skills that are so important in the kitchen have deteriorated. So I guess I’ll just have to get used to it.