Lecture Notes: Clive Wearing's Amnesia

Introduction

• Clive Wearing: One of the worst cases of amnesia in the world.
• Experience: Described as being dead; no difference between day and night, dreams, or senses.

Background

• Profession: Renowned conductor in London.
• Onset of Illness: 1985, struck by a virus.
• Memory Loss: Parts of his brain, including memory, were destroyed.
• Music Ability: Unaffected by the illness.

Living with Amnesia

• Memory Span: Only retains about 7 seconds of memory before it resets.
• Recognition: The only person he consistently recognizes is his wife, Deborah.

Public Awareness

• Documentary: Became well-known through a 1986 TV documentary.

Current Life

• Residence: Lives in a brain injury unit, under constant supervision.
• Family Interaction: Wife Deborah lives 85 miles away; visits about once a month.
• Daily Life: Cannot remember basic details like his age or day of the week.

Cognitive Abilities

• Music: Can still play and respond to music due to innate abilities.
• Diary Keeping: Attempts to make sense of his life by keeping a diary of his conscious moments.

Emotional Impact

• Wife Deborah: Describes Clive as passionate, loving, and self-effacing.
• Visitors: Struggles to remember family members, including his children.

Medical Journey

• Initial Symptoms: High fever, confusion, memory loss onset in March 1985.
• Diagnosis: Herpes simplex virus crossed into the brain (encephalitis).
• Treatment: Acyclovir saved his life but couldn't prevent brain damage.

Psychological and Social Impact

• Deborah's Struggles: Initially campaigned for Clive's care, later divorced him due to emotional strain.
• Reconnection: Returned to the UK, found solace in faith, and renewed marriage vows.

Family Reflections

• Children's Perspective: Mixed feelings; painful due to lack of recognition and relationship continuity.
• Memory Islands: Clive retains some childhood memories and number details.

Conclusion

• Life Satisfaction: Despite severe amnesia, Clive experiences moments of contentment and remains himself.
• Family Support: Continues to receive emotional support from Deborah and family.