Symptom 12: Elusive Sense of Time: The Ticking Clock Mystery in Anterograde Amnesia
In people with anterograde amnesia, the experience of time can be vastly different from the norm. Their ability to perceive and estimate time is often impaired, leading to a life that seems to lack the typical rhythmic tick of seconds, minutes, and hours. They may feel as though they are constantly “stuck in the moment,” with time’s inexorable march fading into an elusive and enigmatic background.
Imagine living in a timeless world, where the past, present, and future all blend into one static point. It’s a bewildering experience that can leave one feeling perpetually out of sync with the rest of the world. These individuals may struggle to follow routines or schedules, leading to a disorganized and fragmented life.
It’s not just about missing appointments or forgetting what day it is. The lack of a functioning time perception impacts how they interact with the world around them. It shapes their understanding of events and their place within these events, leading to confusion and frustration. (12)
