Confabulation is a memory problem. It happens when a person with a brain injury makes up false memories. These memories could be about past events that never happened. Or they could be memories of actual events that the person puts in the wrong time or place. Sometimes these memories are very detailed and the person honestly believes the events happened.
Confabulation is the direct result of injury to the brain. It may go away on its own. The healthcare team will work with your service member/veteran to reduce the effect by helping him or her to become more aware of it.
What you may see:
- Making up convincing stories to fill memory gaps
How you can help:
- Don’t accuse your family member of lying.
- Gently help your family member become aware that this memory is not accurate.