An elderly couple in their eighties, experiencing frequent memory lapses, decided to visit their doctor for a check-up to ensure nothing was seriously wrong.
After examining them, the doctor assured the couple they were physically healthy. He suggested they start writing things down to aid their memory. Thanking the doctor, they returned home.
That evening, while watching television, the husband rose from his chair. "Where are you going?" his wife asked.
"To the kitchen," he replied.
"Could you bring me a bowl of ice cream?"
"Sure."
"Perhaps you should write it down to remember?"
"No, I can remember that."
"Well, I'd also like strawberries on top. You'd better write it down; I know you'll forget."
"I can remember: a bowl of ice cream with strawberries."
"And I'd like whipped cream on top, too. I know you'll forget that, so write it down."
With irritation in his voice, he insisted, "I don't need to write it down! I can remember!" He then stormed into the kitchen.
About thirty minutes later, he returned and handed her a plate of bacon and eggs. She stared at the plate for a moment and said, "You forgot my toast."