Facing Memory Challenges: Suzanne’s Journey
In 2021, Suzanne found herself grappling with an unsettling reality: her memory was becoming increasingly unreliable, despite her relatively young age of fifty-something. Simple tasks became daunting; she frequently struggled to recall the right words, lost track of her purpose upon entering a room, and found it increasingly difficult to manage her volunteer responsibilities at a charity dedicated to disabled children.
“During meetings, I would struggle to focus and absorb what everyone was saying,” she reflected. Frustrated, she stepped back from many of her commitments, even abandoning her attempts to read books altogether.
After expressing her concerns, Suzanne’s general practitioner suggested that her memory issues might be linked to brain damage resulting from a severe Covid infection she had suffered weeks earlier. This prompted a referral to a neurologist for further evaluation.
Discovering Functional Cognitive Disorder
Dr. Verónica Cabreira, a neurologist at the University of Edinburgh, delivered unexpected news. Instead of dementia, Suzanne was diagnosed with a condition known as functional cognitive disorder (FCD), which can mirror symptoms of dementia such as forgetfulness and concentration difficulties but often has a more favorable prognosis and can even be reversed. FCD appears to stem from a disruption in the normal memory process due to factors like stress or anxiety, akin to how anyone might momentarily “go blank” under pressure.
“I was losing confidence in my memory,” Suzanne admitted. Unlike dementia, which involves the loss of brain cells, FCD is better understood as a psychological glitch. The cycle of stress and anxiety can exacerbate the condition, creating a feedback loop that worsens symptoms.
- “You become hyper-aware of your memory lapses, which can lead to increased anxiety and self-doubt,” she explained.
- “This leads to a cycle of checking and rechecking everything, which is exhausting and ultimately makes you forget even more.”
Upon hearing Dr. Cabreira’s explanation, Suzanne experienced a profound realization about her subconscious behavior. “I didn’t realize that, subconsciously, I was doing exactly that,” she said.
To rule out true dementia or brain damage, neurologists typically conduct brain scans and various tests when suspecting FCD. Fortunately, Suzanne’s scan results were reassuring; her brain appeared to be in excellent condition, resembling that of someone younger. “It was a relief to know there wasn’t any brain damage or shrinkage happening,” she remarked.
Strategies for Recovery
The next step was to assist Suzanne in breaking the cycle of her memory issues by addressing the unintentional behaviors that were exacerbating them. Some doctors employ psychological techniques aimed at redirecting the patient’s attention away from their memory concerns, often incorporating relaxation therapies. In Suzanne’s case, she utilized a new app developed by the University of Edinburgh.
Grounding Techniques for Better Focus
This innovative app provides users with breathing exercises and “grounding” techniques designed to anchor their attention in the present moment, helping them to steer clear of unproductive thought patterns. Additionally, the app includes educational modules about the underlying causes of FCD.
Alongside using the app, Suzanne engaged in talking therapy and began practicing meditation, both of which significantly helped her manage the stressors in her life. Collectively, these methods alleviated her FCD-related memory issues, enabling her to return to her work with renewed confidence.
However, Suzanne’s situation is further complicated by her existing liver condition, primary biliary cholangitis, which brings about chronic fatigue and pain among other symptoms. She recognized that her fatigue can exacerbate her forgetfulness. “While I still experience memory lapses, I now understand that they are connected to my chronic fatigue. Fortunately, the FCD has resolved, and my memory improved markedly even after just six weeks of using the app,” she shared. She also noted improvements in her pain levels and sleep quality.
Suzanne encourages others not to shy away from exploring psychological techniques to enhance their health. “It’s crucial for people to understand that psychological issues can have physical manifestations. These experiences are real, and often, individuals are not consciously aware of why they are occurring. However, it is possible to address these issues psychologically and learn strategies to improve them,” she concluded.