SUCCESS! ALL TUNED UP AND READY TO ZOOM

The nervous tension is subsiding. Am I relieved! I am feeling a bit light-headed and a little tired now.  

I did my research, it looked straightforward enough, so I ordered memory modules to upgrade my computer.  It's not any old computer it's an Apple and what they do and how they do what they do is different to Microsoft.  With Microsoft boxes of tricks, I could decide on what worked and slot the memory into whichever slot was free.  That was that. Not so Apple.

We had the right type of screwdriver to open the memory modules 'door' below the logo; that was the really easy part, I could have played with it for hours.  I well and truly earthed myself then struggled to open the packaging in which the memory was safely wedged  Each module was very tightly housed into their plastic forms.  I gave up being gentle and succeeded in forcing one out. 

 

 Carefully following the step-by-step instructions, I pulled out plastic tabs that were supposed to loosen the existing computer memory from their slots. Not for me they didn't. As I wanted the existing memory, I was not bothered about moving it anyway. I concentrated on installing the new green  memory modules.  ***!!!** They would not seat properly.  My persistence began to wane. 

The lady on the helpline - from Egypt - made 
suggestions that mirrored what I had been doing already.....Uh, Could I go to a computer shop.....No, not possible where I live.....have you watched installation videos on our site? ....I had a quick look.  No videos, just repeats of step-by-step instructions and not even as good as the ones I used.  We agreed to to replace my modules. as they didn't seem to fit.  She started off the order process. The replacements would be sent when I returned those I had.

Next, phoned my brother hundreds of miles away. I wasn't being forceful enough, he said, 

A Bit Of Caerphilly

Really tug at the plastic tabs like they were a piece of string, he said, it would loosen the pre-installed memory modules, not that I needed to; I did it anyway.  A blue rectangular module catapulted out of the slot making a direct hit on my chest. I was all of a tizzy... I checked it for size against the new one I was struggling to fit. They measured the same. With a bit of a shove the original memory module seated in.  Right, then, let's try the new modules one  more time.  I gave the first one a real heave ho and it did as it was told...wow! The second one got the same treatment.  I was ready to plug in to the mains. 

My system analysis recognised the computer has lots more memory......

COGNITIVE DECLINE -------THANK HEAVENS WE CAN LAUGH AT OURSELVES!
I was so engrossed in commenting on other posts, I forgot the focus for this post.  My forgetting  is rather apt, because the post is about memory loss.  The article that took my interest on this subject was still open on my desk top and so reminded me what I intended to do.  Should I be personally concerned at needing a memory aid?

Many people go to collect something from, say, a drawer,and forget what it was they wanted.  It is quite a common event. There are sillier forgetfulnesses and distractions, such as putting something in the oven instead of the fridge.  Thank heavens we can laugh at ourselves!  Lots of people have done it.  Is it really funny?
 
There could be a range of reasons for increased confusions and exacerbated memory loss, especially in older people.  Infection is certainly one possibility, there are others.  For now, there does not seem to be any magic answer  for the prevention of  chronic cognitive decline.

Research  is indicating that body  infections may speed up memory decline, especially in Alzheimers disease.  Researchers at Southampton University say that infections increase an inflammatory protein in the blood, known as a tumour necrosis factor (TNF).  The obvious defensive responses to this, are good observation, devising fast action to deal with suspected  infections, and  providing skilled care, especially in residential, nursing homes and hospitals.  Preventing infections from spreading is nigh impossible.

This is the point where it is necessary to think outside the box (lateral thinking).  It is where the researchers and pharmacological experts join forces.  One thought is to try to protect the human system by blocking TNF to prevent more inflammation of the brain.  Research into cognitive decline is a growth area.   TNF is just one aspect of it and like many others, needs further research.