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How to Deal with
Memory Loss
Techniques to improve memory
Joann Pichurko, a speech pathologist at Sharp Rehabilitation Center, was the speaker at the June General meeting. “Memory loss is a dilemma faced by many people, but especially by those who have suffered a brain injury,” Joann said. Spontaneous improvement rarely satisfies the needs of the individual. They are constantly challenged by tasks ranging from the most familiar and routine activities, “Did I eat breakfast? Did I lock the door?”, to those requiring interactions in the community, i.e., recalling names or appointments.
Joann
presented “tried and true” methods to help improve one’s memory. She
explained that forgetfulness is a clue that you may be asking too much of your
memory and not enough of your mind. Remembering is not automatic, it is a
process you perform. Control the process and you control the memory. She advised,
“Don’t be too hard on yourself. The
most important thing is to do the best you can.”
It is very important to take care of yourself. Brain cells can be fortified at any age with proper nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation. You may have to cultivate new habits. Studies say that aerobic exercise increases oxygen to the brain and produces neuro-protective chemicals. Stress and anxiety limit memory. A short attention span, difficulty planning, inability to initiate an activity or self-monitor can have an impact on memory.
Joann offered tips:
· Be honest with yourself. If you cannot initiate memory strategies, consider techniques to help your initiation.
· Identify what situations are the most difficult for you.
· Know your attention span and its limits. Do the most difficult things at your best time of day. Plan breaks and take them.
· Control your environment. If distractions occur, go to another room and close the door, wear ear plugs, and write distracting thoughts so you can address them later.
· Practice something over and over.
· Relate information to something you are already familiar with.
· Take notes and make lists for recall.
· Create mental pictures.
· Group similar items together.
· Say it again. Tell someone else. Try repeating it seven times.
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