A 55-year-old mother-of-three has lost 20 years of memories after she hit her head during a minor accident at work.
Kay Delaney’s last memory was tucking her young son and daughter into bed sometime in the early 1990s.
In her head, she is convinced she is still 34 years old and she has no concept of the last two decades – and even struggles to remember the birth of her youngest son, now 20.
Explaining her “unbearable sense of guilt” over the implications of her memory-loss, Delaney says she “cannot even begin to describe the pain and sense of loss at being left without a sense of motherhood”, reports the Telegraph.
“I have no memory of my eldest two children graduating from university - a proud moment in any parents life, added Delaney.
"My youngest son is a stranger to me and the guilt I feel over that is almost unbearable."
Delaney’s house is littered with post-it notes and reminders on how to make cups of tea and what a mobile phone and computer is, after she was diagnosed with retrograde amnesia (a condition that causes you to lose memories you previously made, from the most recent to the oldest).
However, most remarkably, although Delaney struggles to remember recent events, she has somehow gained the ability to speak another language.
Delaney regularly shocks her husband Peter by reciting an Edith Piaf song – in fluent French.
Jeanette Tasker, service manager at charity Headway Cambridgeshire who support Kay, told The Sun:
“Retrograde amnesia can completely change someone’s personality. This is difficult for the person and their family so we support everyone affected.
“People have been known to be able to speak languages and play instruments that they never could before after an accident.
"The brain is the most amazing organ.”
Take a look at foods that 'reportedly' boost brain power...
Foods That 'Reportedly' Boost Brain Power
Brain-Boosting Foods(01 of12)
Open Image Modal (credit:Alamy)
Avocado (02 of12)
Open Image ModalAvocados are a great source of 'healthy fats' as well as a good blood circulation booster. This is important when it comes to brain power, as it enhances the blood flow to the brain, maintaining healthy brain function. (credit:Alamy)
Oily Fish (03 of12)
Open Image ModalThe essential omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish like sardines, herring, trout and mackerel, as well as walnut oil and flaxseeds (linseeds) - are high in Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a fatty acid crucial to maintaining a healthy nervous system. Low DHA levels have been linked to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and memory loss. Fish also contains iodine, which is known to improve mental clarity. For brain and heart health, eat two servings of fish weekly. (credit:Alamy)
Whole grains (04 of12)
Open Image ModalWhole grains improve circulation and help regulate glucose levels in the blood as the steadier the glucose levels, the easier it is to concentrate. This is why it's important to eat breakfast in the morning, as it not only revs up the metabolism, but keeps your sugar levels balanced as well as protecting against diabetes and heart disease. (credit:Alamy)
Sugar(05 of12)
Open Image ModalSugar is the brain's preferred fuel source, however before you reach for the table sugar, it's glucose that your body needs. The body metabolises glucose from the sugars and carbohydrates in food. That's why a glass of something sweet offers a short-term boost to memory, thinking processes, and mental ability.Too much sugar on the other hand, can result in impaired memory, so go easy on the sweet stuff and consume enough to boost your brain power. (credit:Alamy)
Caffeine (06 of12)
Open Image ModalLike sugar, caffeine perks up the brain but if you have too much, it can have negative effect on your mental state. Found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and some medications, caffeine gives you that unmistakable wake-up feeling. But beware, the effects are short-term and if you overdo it, the brain can go into overdrive and make you more jittery than sharp thinking. (credit:Alamy)
Nuts And Seeds (07 of12)
Open Image ModalNuts and seeds are great sources of antioxidant vitamin E, which is associated with less cognitive decline as you age.A good intake of vitamin E is linked to preventing poor memory. Nuts are a great source of vitamin E along with leafy green vegetables, seeds, eggs, brown rice and whole grains. Pumpkin seeds are especially good for boosting brain power, as a handful a day is all you need to get your recommended daily amount of zinc, vital for enhancing memory and thinking skills. (credit:Alamy)
Blueberries(08 of12)
Open Image ModalBlueberries and strawberries contain antioxidants, which are thought to protect brain neurons from damage, build communication receptors between each brain cell, and flush out waste. They also help protect against age-related diseases like Alzheimer's. Blackberries are also a great brain booster, as it contains Vitamin C which has long been thought to have the power to increase mental agility. (credit:Alamy)
Sage(09 of12)
Open Image ModalAn unlikely contender, the humble sage has long had a reputation for improving memory. Although its recommended to try sage oils, try and sprinkle some sage into your diet. (credit:Alamy)
Vitamins (10 of12)
Open Image ModalFolic acid and vitamin B12 help prevent homocysteine from building up in the body, which is higher in those with Alzheimer's. Vitamin B, C, E, beta-carotene, and magnesium are also good vitamins to stock up on when looking to boost brain power. (credit:Alamy)
Tomato(11 of12)
Open Image ModalTomato's contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against the kind of free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's. (credit:Alamy)
Broccoli (12 of12)
Open Image ModalA great source of vitamin K, broccoli which is known to enhance cognitive function and improve brainpower. (credit:Alamy)