MEMORY

I reminded myself yesterday that I need to post about my failing memory but I forgot. So I must do so now while I still remember it.

Of late, my memory of names e.g. plants, Hollywood actors and actresses, was a challenge to me because I managed to forget some of the big names, especially if I did not come across them recently. I have been joking with friends and colleagues that my memory space is limited and cannot be upgraded like a computer. When a new name enters my brain, an older one exits. And this is definitely not a good sign. How can I take such a long time to remember the names? And how can I not even recall some of the names after more than 24 hours even with some clues thrown in?

If this continues, I am doomed to suffer from early dementia.

DEMENTIA

A big thank you to the person who sent me the following link, based on a short film on dementia written and directed by the renowned local film maker Royston Tan. Titled "Ah Kong", this film was promoted by the Health Promotion Board to create more awareness on dementia.

Have you always wonder why those inflicted with dementia tend not to forget the past but remember the past events and memories vividly, yet often cannot recall the most recent activities? The grandfather used to be many things e.g. a famous chicken seller, a dancer and a popular ladies man, until all these became his memories and he continued to live in them. His favourite grandson tried to jolt his grandfather's recollection of recent incidents but the outcome was predictable.

It was said that for some, the memory is just a thing of the past. But I feel that this group of people, the memory is their present and what keeps them alive. The fortunate ones would still have their children and grandchildren to look after them when they live in their worlds. The really unfortunate ones would have no one with them when all memories are lost and no one remembers their past, no matter how glamorous, beautiful, sad or pathetic it ever was. What remains is just an empty shell.