Memory Musing

The article about Marilu Henner could have been more balanced ("Past Perfect," February/March 2019, BrainLifeMag.org/Henner). I had never heard of highly superior autobiographical memory (HSAM), and after learning about it I would not want to have this rare condition.

As someone with multiple sclerosis, I understand the importance of looking for a silver lining. Henner has found her silver lining, but others such as Jill Price, who also has HSAM and was quoted in the article saying the condition was "nonstop, uncontrollable, and totally exhausting," have not.

The article's upbeat tone may put readers off, especially those who have the opposite problem: memory loss. If you asked them how they feel about loss of memory, their response would not be so positive. —Rose M. Townsend, Roanoke, VA

THE EDITOR RESPONDS: Thank you for your letter. Unlike some people with HSAM, Marilu Henner considers her extraordinary memory a gift and has tried to use it to help others improve their memory. She has also worked with researchers who study how memories are formed and how to prevent their loss. To read more about her contributions, visit BrainLifeMag.org/HennerResearch and BrainLifeMag.org/MemoryTips.

Essential Primer

Your piece on essential tremor ("Shake Shift," February/March 2019, BrainLifeMag.org/ShakeShift) was the finest and most complete article I have ever read on the topic. I sent the article to the International Essential Tremor Foundation. I was diagnosed with essential tremor more than 10 years ago. I take propranolol three times a day, which helps. When my tremor got worse, I was prescribed an anticonvulsant briefly, and my tremor decreased. The shaking is still there, but now I can drink from a glass or cup without having to fill it only halfway.- Richard Alpher, Sarasota, FL

Your article about essential tremor could not have come at a better time. My grandson was just diagnosed with this disorder. Before his diagnosis, we didn't know anything about this disease. Initially, he didn't think anything of his shaky hands or voice, but when his mother took him to an endocrinologist, he was diagnosed immediately and referred to a neurologist. His neurologist confirmed the diagnosis and considered prescribing propranolol and other medications but decided to adopt a wait-and-see approach. No one in our family on either side has ever had a disorder like this. After reading that there is a strong family prevalence, I believe all of us need to be checked. This article was a godsend.- Marlene Rafferty, Conway, SC

Places to Go

I can relate to Wendall Woodall's Speak Up essay about the Dr. Seuss book that inspired him ("The Places I'm Going," December 2018/January 2019, BrainLifeMag.org/Woodall). I had my first seizure in January 1981, and after gaining more than 150 pounds, I had a stroke in 2006. While in rehabilitation, I felt like Mr. Yellow. Eventually, my daily walks morphed into runs. Now, after losing 135 pounds, I still run and work out, but with a new attitude. "Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way."- Mark Chambers, Macon, MO

More Memory Quirks

As a special-education teacher and someone with brain-related health problems, neurology is fascinating to me. After reading a recent From the Editor column ("At the Source," August/September 2018, BrainLifeMag.org/AtTheSource), I was inspired to describe my own unusual memory.

As an infant, I barely survived viral encephalitis. During childhood, I started having seizures, which grew worse during puberty. About 23 years ago, I had a right temporal lobectomy, and the seizures finally ceased.

In the midst of these health crises, I noticed an unusual memory trait. Although I couldn't remember a single thing that happened in high school, I could visualize and draw to scale every classroom I had been in. In college, I would study all night but not remember anything in the morning. Instead, I would picture where the answers were on the pages I had studied. Somehow the words got in the way.

It made no sense to me until my surgeon explained that the damage to my brain was localized to the temporal lobe, where words and language are stored. He said the occipital lobe, where picture memories are stored, was not damaged. - Diana Greenlee, Texarkana, AR

THE EDITOR RESPONDS: Thank you for your letter. For more information about unusual memory traits, see our feature on actress Marilu Henner at BrainLifeMag.org/Henner.

A Full Life

I am writing to honor Christina McKelvy's mother after reading the excellent essay about her ("Against the Odds," February/March 2019, BrainLifeMag.org/McKelvy ). How her mother decided to live her life was a powerful statement that inspired Christina, and me as well. That is what living life to the fullest is all about. I know her mother will continue to push. I would love to hear more about how she continues to move forward. Keep going! - Carl Freeman, West Barnstable, MA