So if you do believe that you have memory problems, it does not necessarily follow that it is because of your epilepsy. Many people with epilepsy do not have any particular difficulties with their memory and a wide variety of different tests show that many people with epilepsy have very good memories, while others fall well within the standard range on standardised memory tests. Memory problems often seem to arise when we are anxious, depressed, overworked, sleep deprived or heavily medicated. While many people may feel they experience a decline in their memory as they grow older, many others do not. Assumptions that older people are automatically less able to learn and to commit things to memory are outmoded.
Many older people are extremely capable learners and have excellent recall.
There are many parts of the brain important to memory and the mature brain does not really need all of the neurones provided at birth. With the application of strategies aimed at reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and poor levels of fitness - both physical and mental, and by learning and practising strategies and techniques designed to support our memory, we can do much to help ourselves. Finding out about various strategies and techniques for improving our memories is not enough. We need to actually practise those techniques for them to become effective tools for us. There are many different strategies and techniques and there is a wide range of books, videotapes and audiotapes available which will help you find out about them.