The Toilet Paper Tube Theory

First, let me say that I am a “searcher” this week, and I realize my post should be added as a “comment” to another post, but because of the difficulty in sharing video in a comment, I have posted this as a “new post,” but it is actually a comment. That being said, read on . . . 

I have often joked, saying that I think of my mind as the tube from the middle of the roll of paper towels running through my head from one ear to the other. My tube is completely filled, so every time I put one more thing in, something MUST pop out from the other side! I use this as an excuse for being forgetful. I have even explained that after the age of 40, my paper towel tube was replaced by a toilet paper tube, so now I can only remember about half of what I used to remember!

But is this just a joke? It is possible that in some cases, absent-mindedness is a naturally occurring phenomenon of working memory. Before you finish reading this blog, watch this video.

But seriously, when do we know when our forgetfulness or absent-mindedness is just a natural event or when something more serious is going on? The National Institute on Aging, a division of the National Institute of Health, has a wealth of information to guide us. One page in particular, (link is provided below), details some of the things that can contribute to forgetfulness. One of those is depression, especially depression triggered by a life-altering event such as the death of a loved one or spouse. There are many others, but this stood out to me because my Mother began presenting symptoms of disorganization, forgetting important events, repeating herself, and so forth, after the death of my Father. Of course, it has now progressed into Lewy Body Dementia, but early on, it was difficult to tell the difference between what was a normal reaction to grief and what was simply not normal. I live with regret for the times I became angry with her, assuming what was happening was controllable. I encourage everyone to visit this page, and if any of you suspect you or someone you love needs help, GET IT! Mom’s symptoms have responded very well to medical treatment and behavioral modifications, and I wish I hadn’t waited so long to ask for help!

http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/forgetfulness-knowing-when-ask-help