Hi. The person I care for has severe short term memory loss (maybe 30 seconds or less). She frequently gets delirium (usually assumed to be caused by an infection). What I find fascinating is that when she’s heading towards delirium, she has increased memory and increased self-awareness. She will announce things like “My arms are very very skinny” (she never comments on her appearance normally) and she takes an interest in me (eg. Last time she asked me if i still go to church) - normally she doesn’t remember who I am never mind the fact that I used to go to church!
Is this a known phenomenon? Have others noticed this? Reading David Baddiel’s book about his family and he mentions that his dad had dementia and also had increased self awareness at the start of a UTI.
Has anyone done any research on this? Why does it happen? Anywhere I can read about it! It fascinates me.
Is this a known phenomenon? Have others noticed this? Reading David Baddiel’s book about his family and he mentions that his dad had dementia and also had increased self awareness at the start of a UTI.
Has anyone done any research on this? Why does it happen? Anywhere I can read about it! It fascinates me.