ANN ARBOR, Mich. — While on her way to do something that she has now forgotten, Alana Marmosech patted her pockets, trying to find her keys. She soon realized that because of her ADHD, she had forgotten her keys, as well as her wallet, clothing, family and life.
Marmosech spoke with us about the incident: “I was eight hours into our yearly family road trip when I asked my son Jackson what song I should play next. Usually he screams, ‘”Let It Go” from “Frozen,” please Mom, or else I’ll cry.’ However, when I heard nothing but silence, I turned around and realized neither my son nor my husband were in the car.”
ADHD impacts the part of the brain that stores the working memory. This can lead to episodes of forgetfulness. In Marmosech’s case, she said her episode didn’t end there. “When I got out of the car, I realized I wasn’t even in our car. I was walking on the side of the road wearing nothing but soccer cleats and knee pads. Was I supposed to be at a soccer game? Where did the rest of my clothing go? Thankfully, I was sure my family knew where I was and could come pick me up.”
Marmosech later admitted that she was not completely sure she had a family, let alone a husband, a son or even parents. She told us that she may have been created in a lab by scientists. Typically a forgetful episode like this can cause fear, anxiety and depression. However, Marmosech saw it as an opportunity.
“Hey, if I can’t remember anything about my life, then I have no obligations! I don’t have to be at work, I have no kids, I don’t even know who the president is! I should probably get back to that soccer game though. I have a suspicious feeling I’m the team captain.”