Something happened to my organized thinking since last year

IrisSenior said:
Are there other things you are having trouble with? Are you forgetting or losing things? Maybe a trip to the doctor?
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I have very bad short-term memory lately which makes it difficult to follow directions, and I also have developed doorway effect. However, I can remember appointments, my meal delivery route and how to get back home.
Doorway effect - Wikipedia
 
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Deb,

Based on what I see in your posts, i believe that you are fine.

The only way to be sure is to get a qualified medical assessment.

Start with your current PCP and if that doesn’t work contact the member advocate at your medical insurance provider to see what they have to offer.

It really doesn’t matter much one way or another, it all comes down to you finding a way to deal with your current situation or moving to an environment where you feel more comfortable.

If day to day living and decision making is becoming too difficult or complicated it may be time to at least explore the available options and come up with a plan for the next phase of your life.

You got this!
 
debodun said:
I have very bad short-term memory lately which makes it difficult to follow directions, and I also have developed doorway effect. However, I can remember appointments, my meal delivery route and how to get back home.
Doorway effect - Wikipedia
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I googled the doorway effect and I have it too. It said to pay attention more. I wouldn't worry about it.
 
With a lack of people demanding your attention, like on a job, your attention and focus fades over time.

Reading helps
attention and focus. It must be books about things that hold your attention. Educating yourself o n something you long held off learning about.

Talking with someone you like over the phone is helpful too.
 
Deb, you had a very stressful year with the flooded basement and so many possessions. That may be the time your orderly accounting became overwhelming. It’s easy for your head to feel like it’s in overload. Good luck with getting a medical referral.
 
I have been noticing that in myself but am attributing it to the fact that I ruminate too much. I will be doing one thing and totally thinking about something else, usually something upsetting. It is the cause of my walking into a room and then being unable to remember why I came into it. I have started keeping a mantra in my head when I am trying to remember several things at once. For example, if I am leaving the house I keep telling myself, "lock the back door, check the thermostat, get your keys". I keep telling myself that over and over, until all three things are done.

Unfortunately, I sometimes then get into the car and wonder where I was going. 🤣 Just kidding. It hasn't gotten to that point yet.
 
I do it too!

If I can’t remember why I walked into the kitchen I just grab a snack and go back to my chair.
😉🤭😂

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OldFeller said:
With a lack of people demanding your attention, like on a job, your attention and focus fades over time.

Reading helps
attention and focus. It must be books about things that hold your attention. Educating yourself o n something you long held off learning about.

Talking with someone you like over the phone is helpful too.
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Yes, reading really helps along with puzzles.
 
debodun said:
I thought I'd do some accounting of my expenses in 2024. I got out my checkbook stubs, receipts and records. It was just gobbledegook to me from the getgo. Couldn't keep things straight. I am worried about my perspicacity.
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Deb, do you have a clear, well-structured bookkeeping system that you update at least weekly? If not, you might want to start. Not only would it help to keep your finances in order, but it would also be a great mental exercise to help you maintain focus in general. ;)
 
Yes, yes to all of the above, I can certainly relate, for me it's a full time job trying to keep myself straight. I get really off when something breaks or quits working, it all gets overwhelming....one thing that helps me , I'm at my best in the early morning so I try to take care of the hard task then. Yes.. list, lots of lists. Hang in there Deb!
 

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