Confabulation

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 events that the person puts in the wrong time or place. Sometimes these memories are very detailed and the person honestly believes their memories are accurate.

Confabulation is the direct result of injury to the brain. It may resolve on its own over time as the brain heals. The healthcare team will work with the service member or veteran to reduce the effect by helping them to become more aware of it.

What might you see?

• Making up stories to fill memory gaps

How can you help?

• Don’t accuse the service member or veteran of lying or get into a discussion about who is right or wrong.
• Gently help the service member or veteran become aware that this memory is not accurate.