Covid stress & uncertainty can lead to memory issues

Aug 11, 2020 | 9:37 AM

There is another possible impact of the Covid pandemic on people: memory loss.

Okanagan Clinical Trials, a medical research clinic in Kelowna, has seen an increase in demand for free, comprehensive cognitive assessments through its Memory Clinic since the pandemic started.

“People are expressing concerns about their memory in record numbers,” said Dr. Kim Christie, President of Okanagan Clinical Trials. “We want anyone that has noticed a change in their ability to focus and retain information or who is concerned about memory loss to contact us and schedule a memory test.”

Memory assessments are 60-minutes in length, free, and can be performed either in-clinic or by phone. After seizing the opportunity for a free memory assessment, Itani found that her experience was educational and entertaining.

Beryl Itani, the Emergency Support Services Director for the Regional District of Central Okanagan during the 2003 Okanagan Mountain Park Wildfire, and emergency support services volunteer for over 35 years, understands firsthand the importance of maintaining composure in an emergency and offers her sage advice.

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“We’d never experienced anything like the 2003 fire before, and you can’t really prepare for it,” Itani said. “I was asked a lot of times how I managed to keep it all together. My answer was always that I went home to my own bed every night and 30,000 of my friends didn’t. During these difficult times, I would suggest the words of Dr. Henry, ‘Be Kind. Be Calm. Be Safe.’”

Itani’s recommendation is especially relevant given that it is common for anxiety levels to increase during stressful and uncertainty times, and prolonged stress can affect the way the brain processes and stores memories.

“I am pleased with my score. The whole experience was easy and fun, not scary or stressful,” Itani reported. “I am quite happy to come back in a year to get another assessment and would absolutely recommend it to my friends.”

If you are interested in booking a free memory test or learning more about a clinical trial, visit www.okanaganclinicaltrials.com or call Okanagan Clinical Trials at 250-862-8141.

by Pete McIntyre

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