How do I keep working with memory issues?

Question

I had a TBI (traumatic brain injury) as a result of an ice skating accident in 2006, and my memory is getting worse, especially word recall. Which is a really, really bad thing because I am a writer by profession - a newspaper reporter, and I'm only 43.

So far most of the problem is in expressive spoken language, not written stuff, but it is getting in the way of my doing interviews. I have to keep notes up on the screen while I do a phone interview, to remind myself of key words, but there's nothing to help me during a face-to-face interview, and I'm starting to look like an idiot struggling to find simple words - often a word I just said a minute earlier.

I was incredibly lucky (15%) to come out of my injury (subarachnoid hematoma) with only mild immediate effects, but I was told that because of my TBI I have a higher chance of Alzheimer's, and possibly suffer other memory and other mental capacity issues at an earlier age than most. I'm starting to suspect that my problems will be in expressive communications, and it seems to have begun. I'd rather go deaf or blind that to lose that skill, which is my greatest talent - and how I make my living!

I play memory games a lot, to try to keep as sharp as possible, and I'm pretty sure the major problem right now is only in the language center of my brain. I keep extensive notes to make up for some of the memory issues that I do have, but recently I have noticed that I am having more difficulty filling in the gaps in my notes - the word I didn't manage to write down, or identifying who said which quote.

I haven't told my editors what is happening yet. Legally they can't fire me for a disability, but a reporter who can't remember... ugh. I can't imagine going out on disability leave, or ending up living on SSI.

Unfortunately, I don't have medical insurance, so I can't get it checked out professionally.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Well there isn't many things that you can do about memory loss, fortunately, you may have very good results with one thing you can change: Nutrition.



First, I would look to fish oil--specifically make sure it has high DHA content. Take several grams of DHA a day--space them out at each meal. some initial results show recovery from brain injuries using DHA, and the aid to memory and mood is well known.



Good general nutrition helps too. Lots of fresh fruits and vegetables (blueberries and other berries) can help.



Good sleeping patterns and exercising most days help too!



I've personally had quite good, very noticeable improvements.



And while its hard to face, if the nutrition doesn't work, you'll likely have to consider changing fields or modifying your career. Perhaps editing would be suitable, or you may need to look to something drastically different.



A recorder could help too---but if you rely on it too much, your memory may get worse.



Send me an email if you want to discuss.

Answer 2

Would it be possible to work with someone for your job? Specifically whilst interviewing? I ask because if you have someone with whom you share your thoughts prior to the interview then they may be able to do the asking and note taking in interviews, and could possibly 'fill in the blanks' when you are struggling at communicating your thoughts. This is the only thing I can think of that would allow you to retain your job, the alternative being flipping burgers; no good communication skills needed there!



Good luck and I hope this can work out for you, but whatever happens will probably only be a temporary solution, so you may want to start planning for the scenario where you can no longer work as a journalist.

Answer 3

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