When Our Memory Fails: Recognizing Real Loss

08.01.2010

Adeline Riley's vibrant personality shines out clearly, but dementia has diminished her brain's memory mechanisms. Her family first noticed that when they'd tell her something multiple times and she wouldn't remember.

Our life is a constantly running film which most of us rewind and fast-forward at will. When it stops running smoothly, we lose track of where we are and, ultimately who we are.

-Geoffrey A. Kerchner, MD, PhD, Stanford Hospital & Clinics Center for Memory Disorders

As time passes, Joe Riley keeps closer and closer watch on his wife—and encourages her in every way he can to keep active, whether it's walking or reading or doing puzzles.

To give promising new treatments their best shot, we need to start them at the first sign of the disease. We need to make the diagnosis early and accurately.

-Michael D. Greicius, MD, MPH, Director, Stanford Hospital & Clinics Center for Memory Disorders

There are times when I'm not remembering anything and other times when I remember real good. It's very frustrating. I just try to remember more.

-Adeline Riley, patient, Stanford Hospital & Clinics Center for Memory Disorders

The one thing I hate to see is families in denial. 'Mom's getting old. She'll be fine.'

-Geoffrey A. Kerchner, MD, PhD, Stanford Hospital & Clinics Center for Memory Disorders
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