7 Illnesses That Are Clearly Superpowers In Disguise

For most people, being diagnosed with any kind of illness isn't considered good news. We immediately think of all of the downsides and side effects that we will have to live with for a long time, maybe even our whole lives. In some rare cases, however, there are diseases that actually provide surprising benefits that may even be considered extraordinary. Yes, there are diseases out there that basically give you superpowers, but that doesn't mean there aren't any downsides. For the most part, these rare and mysterious illnesses are both a blessing and a curse (mostly a curse, though). Below are just a few examples of the diseases that make it possible for that guy who sits across from you to have a super-heroic alter ego. In this list, you'll discover the surprising benefits of these diseases, as well as the nasty side effects that haunt the people who have them...

7. Hyperthymestic Syndrome - Gives You Super Memory

Hyperthymesia is an extremely rare disease that gives you enhanced autobiographical memory. It's so enhanced, in fact, that the people who have it can recall personal memories instantaneously, without any conscious effort. It's important to note that this only works for memories that are somewhat meaningful to the person; hence, it's said to boost autobiographical memory. People with Hyperthymesia recall everything that happens to them, or something they read about, in perfect detail. One of the most famous cases of this disease - and the first - is the story of A.J., a woman who can recall the exact events of any given day of her life. Researchers would give her a random date, and she was able to tell them everything that happened that day automatically. Of course, a power like this has some significant downsides. Can you imagine what it would be like to remember every single thing that happened to you? A.J. herself complained that "turning it off" is impossible, which means that every bad memory she has is vividly implanted in her mind. The worst part is that researchers have also found that people with this disease become fixated on the past, as they are constantly recalling past memories.