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Memory Problems and Tips
Short-term memory loss is very common after a brain injury –
thankfully there are plenty of coping strategies available.
Typical situations include forgetting people's names, losing a train of
thought, getting lost at the shops, repeating or forgetting past
conversations, misplacing objects and difficulty learning new skills.
g.
Some approaches to dealing with this include:
• sharing your feelings with others who can
provide relief and reassurance. (Contact
Synapse to speak about support groups in your
area).
• identifying activities you find enjoyable and
relaxing - such as listening to music or
exercising, and take the time to take part in
them
• following strategies outlined below – they can
provide a measure of control which can relieve
anxiety and depression.
Effects of Brain Injury
In this article
• Short-term memory loss
• Lifestyle changes to improve
memory
• Memory tips to improve general
well-being
Short-term memory loss
Memory problems can occur with most brain
disorders. However they are particularly common
with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Trauma increases
the chance of bony protrusions inside the skull
causing damage to parts of the brain responsible for
memory. Sadly there are no cures available for
memory loss, but there are many ways of coping and
making life easier. It is important to remember that
using the strategies described here is not ‘cheating’
and will in no way prevent natural recovery or cause
existing skills to be lost.
Lifestyle changes to improve memory
As with any cognitive issue, memory works better
when people:
• avoid fatigue from pushing themselves too hard
• sleep well
• manage stress and anxiety
• avoid alcohol, eat a healthy diet and exercise
regularly.
Adapt the environment
One of the simplest ways to help people with
memory problems is to adapt their environment so
they rely less on memory. Some ideas for doing so
which have helped others are:
• keep a notepad by the phone to make a note of
phone calls and messages
• put essential information on a noticeboard
• decide on a special place to keep important
objects like keys, wallets or glasses and always
put them back in the same place
• attach important items to yourself so they can’t
be mislaid e.g. using a neck cord for reading
glasses
• label cupboards and storage vessels as a
reminder of where things are kept
• label perishable food with the date it was
opened
• paint the toilet door as a distinctive colour so it
is easier to find
• label doors as a reminder of which room is
which.
Memory tips to improve general well-being
Manage emotions and well-being
Memory is very important in giving us a sense of
identity. Memory problems often have major
emotional effects, including feelings of loss, anger
and increased levels of depression and anxiety.
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Effects of Brain Injury
Adopt short-term memory strategies
There are several strategies a person with brain
injury can use to help overcome short-term memory
loss:
• reduce distractions - an inability to pay attention
makes memory problems worse
• learn in small, repeated chunks – it is easier to
remember information when broken down into
repetitive and manageable amounts
• people can remind themselves to ‘pay attention’
at times when they need to focus
• use mnemonics – techniques used to memorise
information through acronyms, short poems,
stories, images or memorable phrases. A typical
example is the acronym KISS for ‘keep it simple,
stupid’.
Use external memory aids
External memory aids are extremely effective
strategies to compensate for memory loss and include:
• a diary for storing and planning
• notebooks of all sizes for various places
• lists, wall charts and calendars
• alarm clock, wristwatch alarm and timers on
mobile phones
• calendar or wall chart
• voice recorder
• electronic organisers and smart devices
• pill reminder box for medication
• sticky-backed notes
• a memory book for big events, personal
experiences and names
• cameras
• photo albums
It is important to realise that not everyone will
benefit in the same way from the same aids after
brain injury. Experimenting with different aids is the
best way to find out which are the most effective.
Follow a set routine
Having a daily and weekly routine means that
people with memory problems can get used to what
to expect, which helps to reduce the demands on
memory. Changes in routine are often necessary,
but can be confusing. It is a good idea for family and
carers to explain any changes in routine carefully
and prepare the person with memory problems
well in advance, giving plenty of spoken and written
reminders.
Try the following reminder strategies in order to
establish routines:
• make a note of regular activities in a diary or
on a calendar
• make a chart of regular events, perhaps using
pictures or photographs, on a notice board.
