Poor memory: a case report

The patient and the author of this case report are the same person. In September 1974 I had a cardiac arrest, and because of anoxia, the arrest resulted in some right-sided brain damage. The brain damage led to some minor physical and perceptual problems, but the most important result was partial loss of past memory and strongly impaired present memory. This report will be concerned with the effects of poor memory on cognition, personality, and interpersonal relationships based on the observations I have made during the period in which my memory was impaired. Of course, the emotional and personality reactions are somewhat related to my past personality, but some may be expected generally when poor memory is present. The effect on cognitive functioning is more likely to be a general finding. I also will describe the course of my rehabilitation over a 2-year-period, and I will make some suggestions about rehabilitation to patients and therapists.