I often get lost in a conversation, and/or miss words here & there. People don't seem to notice if I'm not able to follow, not able to respond intelligently. As long as I grunt when they pause, they seem happy to just talk on & on, as long as I'm looking at them.

But, if I stop them occasionally, to find out what I've missed or misunderstood, they're just a little uncomfortable at having to stop and explain something.

So, what does this mean? That more than a conversation, people want an audience???

alan
You grab them by the collar and say "Listen you twerp I missed what you said ....say it again"
then you will have there attention .

Alan

I agree with Sven64. These "people" are rude. Think back to times before your illness, how did you treat others with a handicap?

I think these "people" need to be versed or hand them a booklet about Alzheimer's, they'll see you in a different light and show more respect to accommodate you throughout these conversations!

M

Alan,

LOL......you are just discovering most people don't care if you understand what they are saying??? It's not you.

Perhaps "don't care" is too strong. However, I think most assume the "audience" understands and no translation or further explanation is needed.

I would hazard a guess the uncomfortableness might be that you are paying more attention than generally expected.

I have found that an occasional nod of the head, and a general murmur of encouragement will keep the other person talking for quite awhile. Doesn't make any difference if I understand or not.

The nodding of my head gets me by in social situations these days. I have found that I speak less in social gatherings. Gets kind of lonely though.

Dear Alan,

You are absolutely correct, sir. They want "an Audience!" Sorry, but it's true.

There are a few who are really interested in what feed back you give and make eye contact when speaking and not bothered when you interrupt. Few and far between. Sorry, again.

The others are correct as well. If YOU don't care then don't bother with them either! It's a cold, cruel world out there!

Many conversations I might have involve me agreeing to do something that someone else wants. If I nod and smile they think I agree. I don't want to do anything for anyone else. I have enough trouble keeping up with my own life. No one helps me.

Iris L.

I'm reminded of a classic twist in many stories: Young Man says to Old Man - - "Is it as bad as I think it is?"
The Old Man chuckles for only a moment, before saying - - "Yeah kid, it is . . . and worse."

But, it isn't just jerks, is it? Not for me. Not just jerks.

Amen!

This thread causes me to stop and think. Conversations with “The Normals” can be a multi-faceted razor blade!

My conversation with Normals has these impediments:

1. It is hard to keep up and follow a conversation particularly if more than one other is involved.

2. Different tones, accents, word usage, bouncing form one person to the next can get quite taxing as we run our internal translator that sorts what is heard into the ideas or points intended to be communicated. If you are half deaf and suffer impeded discernment of what is heard as I do, it is doubly tough!

3. Group talk wears me out, following it, trying to participate, working to get a conversation flow without stopping wondering, “Where the hell was I” or “What is that word I want to express it?”

4. If a person tries overly much to help me along I feel patronized, treated like an oaf, and get petty.

5. I like to talk matters of substance. Cocktail Chatter is boring and I have no well to keep it going beyond asking a person about themselves.

Putting all this together, I hate groups. I prefer to socialize with small numbers of Normals. I much prefer my peers in AD. We make allowances for each other without being evident.

In the end it boils down to the simple proposition, when we got this crap, it is just tough. I can’t get angry with the Normals who don’t know how to react because we as a group have not educated them to who we really are, those of us yet functional.

Unless you have been exposed to this disease how would you know the proper thing to do with us. Too long the stereotype as been, “If we got it, we are that guy standing in the corner drooling.”

Mike, there are those we could call "Normal," but all too many who we could call "Mundane."

What frustrates me, most of my life, is someone without curiosity. Someone who doesn't know what we're talking about, and doesn't care to learn.

I only bring up my brain status to people, when I'm sure that I've said/done something that is causing them concern. I say something like, "Don't worry, it isn't 'you.' I have a brain injury that makes things come out weird sometimes."

No one has yet to ask what my problem is.

Question: Do men admit to having senior moments?

All the people I know who do are women.

Iris L.

Iris, do I admit to having senior moments? I'll let you know, as soon as I have one.

Now if that didn't make you grin, nothing will!!

I don't think my experience is valid. I've spent most my adult life as a psychotherapist, lots of male clients who spilled their guts. And in my field, men tend to have more of those stereotypically female aspects.

I'm a psychotherapist and a musician, not high on the masculinity scale.