As many of you will know, I had a stroke in 2013, out of the blue. It put me in hospital for 3.5 months. I had never before stayed in hospital! All strokes are different, and overall I was lucky with all my main functions remaining intact. My fine motor skills are poor. Although you may disagree (!), my intellectual functions seem unchanged.
I am currently reading a book by Oliver Sacks that has got me thinking. Now, this may just be me getting older, but I am aware of some changes. Since my stroke, I always felt giddy and have had a very poor voice, although most of me works. My wife and I have enjoyed some good holidays both here and abroad. Apart from the giddiness, walking is OK.
In the last year, I have been aware of brain overload. When driving I seem to think of everything that can be a hazard. Driving is no longer a pleasure. Generally, things seem to be exaggerated. It strikes me that this is similar to how some autistic people must experience the world - basically my brain feels overloaded.
It leaves me wondering - are some strokes and some forms of autism similar? I'd be interested to hear of any research in this area.
Not that I've done research Roger but my uncle has experienced a similair thing. He had a stroke and almost lost his ability to speak. After a while he can now speak but lost some words that others use in daily communication. But his intellect seems not to be affected just like you. He is a chessplayer and still continues playing chess and he does well. 73, Bas
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