Memory impairments are one of the most common consequences of brain injury. This is because so many different parts of the brain are involved in our memories.

Some parts of the brain are responsible for storing particular types of memories, such as memories of events, conversations, or images. Other parts of the brain process, sort, or retrieve memories, and all of this is linked together by many different systems.

If you, or someone else, think you may be having memory problems after a brain injury, it can be helpful to have an assessment of your memory and other thinking skills. Assessments can help to find out what is causing your memory problems, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and what may be helpful for you when managing memory difficulties.

Will my memory improve?

Often there is improvement during the first couple of years after a brain injury, but it is difficult to predict how much improvement there will be. People often ask whether brain training will help improve memory, but there is no scientific evidence to show that it does.

What can I do to help?

Finding ways to manage memory problems can make life easier and increase independence. Some of the things you can do are:

Look after your physical well-being

If you are hungry or tired your body (including your brain) does not have the energy it needs to work well. Make sure you eat regular meals and incorporate regular rest breaks and good sleep into your schedule.

Use Memory Aids

Memory aids can be very useful, some common examples include diaries, mobile phones, alarms, wipe boards, and notepads.

Write things down e.g. appointments, messages and important contact details. Keep a notebook and pen with you at all times (or at least by the telephone).

Use alarms and reminders on your phone to help you to keep appointments or to remember to do things.

Avoid Overloading

Try to avoid overloading yourself. You need to be relaxed and patient for your memory to work at its best. Reduce background distractions e.g. turn the TV and radio off.

Check out your understanding

Ask people to repeat things if you need them to or summarise it yourself to make sure you’ve got the gist. Write bullet point summaries of the information you are trying to learn.

Develop Structure and Routine

Developing a routine reduces some of the pressure on your memory e.g. walk the dog at the same time every day, do your shopping on the same day of the week, and have a set place for things in your home e.g. keys.

Repetition and Elaboration

Where appropriate, ask people to show you rather than just tell you things (this helps you to make use of both your verbal and visual memory). Ask for repetition.

Recognise the role of Emotions

Your confidence and mood affect your memory and being more emotional is common after a brain injury. Don’t criticise yourself for every mistake you make, people without memory difficulties sometimes forget things or misplace things.

People who access our services are welcome to talk to the Team Manager if they are experiencing any problems with their care.

Some top tips

  • Look after your physical well-being; eat well & sleep well.
  • Use memory aids such as diaries, calendars, mobile phones, alarms and notebooks.
  • Avoid overloading yourself - concentrate on one thing at a time and reduce distractions.
  • Be honest about your difficulties. Check with others that you have understood or remembered correctly. Ask for repetition.
  • Develop structure and routine and have set places for items in your home. q Ask people to show you things rather than just tell you.
  • Be kind to yourself. Don’t criticise yourself for every mistake you make.

How to find us:

Acquired Brain Injury Service Acorn Suite Countess of Chester Health Park Liverpool Road Chester CH2 1HJ Tel: 01244 389252 Fax: 01244 389255

Useful Contacts

The following organisations are independent of CWP, contact details are provided for information purposes only. CWP will not be responsible for any advice or treatment provided by these organisations.

  • Depression Alliance: information, support and understanding to those who are affected by depression Website: www.depressionalliance.org Tel: 0845 123 23 20
  • MIND: A Leading mental health organisation Website: www.mind.org.uk Info line: 0845 766 0163
  • Samaritans: Confidential support for anyone in a crisis Tel: 0345 909090 (Local Call Rate)
  • Headway: The Brain Injury Association Website: www.headway.org.uk E-mail: enquiries@headway.org.uk Tel: 0115 924 0800
  • Saneline: information and support for anyone affected by mental health problems including families and carers. Website: www.sane.org.uk Tel: 0845 767 8000
  • Stroke Association Website: www.stroke.org.uk Tel: 0303 3033 100

 

If you would like this information in another format, please speak to a member of CWP staff or e-mail cwp.info@nhs.net.
June 2020 Version 1.
www.cwp.nhs.uk.