Our File Cabinet

I was talking with a friend of over forty years the other day.  He asked if I was having any problems remembering things. He shared he was having issues and wondered if I was experiencing anything similar.  I told him, “I have some problems with my nouns.  I sometime forget the names of things.  My adjectives, adverbs, and verbs are all in good shape.”

We talked about forgetting people’s names, the names of places we’ve visited, and some of the places we hope to see.  I had just played a new golf course and forgot the name.  Things like that.

Our discussion reminded me of several conversations I had with my mom after she hit her nineties.  She could remember things from her past in great detail but had trouble with what she did yesterday.  She lamented the fact she couldn’t remember.   I could tell it bothered her, so I developed an on-the-spot explanation.

“Mom, don’t be concerned.  Our brains are like a file cabinet.  The older we get, the more crowded the cabinet gets.  We only have so much room to store things. When new information comes along, we often don’t have room in our file cabinet.  It’s a limited space.  We have to decide what stays and what goes.  Sometimes that’s a challenge to figure out, so it never gets filed.”

She’d smile, knowing I was just making things up as I went along.  We’d laugh a bit and move on to something else.

The older I’ve gotten, the more I rely on my on-the-spot revelation.  Some things are more challenging to recall.  I understand Mom’s concern  and find myself wondering about my own shortcomings.  I did a cursory search on the web and found the following.

 Self- care steps that may be helpful in some less- serious cases:

• Practice some relaxation exercises every day such as meditation or breathing exercises
• Drink ample water every day
• Have a healthy diet and include nuts such as walnuts and almonds
• Limit the intake of alcohol
• Stop all forms of tobacco use
• Sleep for 7 to 9 hours a day at a stretch

I don’t take any medication.  I’ve never smoked and drink in moderation.  I don’t work hard enough to become fatigued unless Ruth has a project for me.  Except for Ruth’s projects, my life is pretty stress free.  Sleeping 7 to 9 hours at a stretch is a challenge, although I’m a great napper.  My diet could improve, so I believe I’ll stock up on walnuts and almonds and wash them down with at least sixty-four ounces of water a day.

We’ve got a go to brand of nuts we purchase most often.  I just wish I could remember their name.  I’ll have a glass of water to clear my mind.  That should do the trick.