Table 3.

Patient lexicon and examples of key memory themes.

Key memory theme	Patient lexicon	Example
Memory loss: Though some patients have trouble with long-term memory, these patients are most passionate about and focused on the impact on short-term memory.	Short-term/long-term memory loss Reduced short-term memory Short-term memory comes and goes Memory problems Memory issues Memory impaired Memory difficulties Memory was shot Decline in memory Forgetful Trouble remembering things	Forgetting things that occurred, had been done, or were supposed to be done in the future Forgetting things/facts authors are supposed to know
Aphasia: Authors describe difficulty communicating their thoughts. In particular, authors have difficulty remembering names of people that they recognize and know well.	Verbal thinking Loss of words Word finding or unable to find words	Difficulty recalling words, particularly names Difficulty forming sentences
Cognitive impairment: Authors describe a loss of ability to think, reason, or understand. Authors are also concerned with the loss of ability to function. Authors are particularly concerned about attention span and forgetting how to do basic tasks.	Confusion/mental confusion Alzheimer’s/instant Alzheimer’s Dementia Brain fog/foggy Cognitive loss Neurological issues Fuzzy thinking Slow Cognitive problems Senile Mental focus Cognitive impairment	Loss of focus or attention span Inability to type or write Difficulty counting money or shopping Tasks take longer to accomplish or forgetting how to do a task Getting into the wrong car or being unable to identify one’s car Wandering around in the night and not knowing why Inability to recognize people Cannot recognize known people Difficulty explaining things to others, particularly doctors
Emotional change: Authors describe their emotions as changed, struggling with feeling depressed or lack of emotion. Authors also describe becoming angry easily or being moody or disinterested. A small subset feels increased anxiety.	Depression/sad Quick temper Moody/moodiness Anxious Tired Emotional lability	Loss of desire or trouble feeling happy Overreacting to situations Becoming angry quickly Worry Feelings of ambivalence