Stroke Information

• Home
• About Us
• Chest Information
• Heart Information
• Stroke Information
  • Types Of Stroke
  • Transient Ischaemic Attacks
  • Your Stroke Journey
  • How Stroke Affects You
    • Swallowing Problems
    • Eye Problems
    • Continence Problems
    • Tiredness
    • Balance Problems
    • Communication Problems
    • Behaviour Problems
    • Coping With Anxiety
    • Coping with Depression
    • Poor Concentration
    • Memory Problems
    • Thinking Problems
    • Central Post Stroke Pain
    • Epilepsy
  • Living With A Stroke
  • Reduce Your Risk Of Stroke
  • Where To Get Help
  • Information For Carers
  • Stroke Links & Contacts
  • Suggested Book List
  • FAQs
• Publications And DVDs
• Community Support
• Fundraising
• Education And Training
• Have Your Say
• Research And Funding
• Volunteering
• Health Professionals

You are in: Home > Stroke Information > How Stroke Affects You > Memory Problems

Memory Problems

We all forget things from time to time but many people who have had strokes suffer more severe memory problems, which can cause inconvenience and embarrassment.

Memory problems are very common after stroke and most patients are affected to some degree. However, the severity of the memory difficulties can vary dramatically depending on how much damage the stroke has caused.

Types Of Problems

Several types of memory problem are common after stroke

• people whose stroke has affected the right side of the body are more likely to have difficulties with verbal memory e.g. remembering names
• people whose stroke affected the left side of the body usually have trouble with visual memory e.g. remembering faces
• remembering new information. Problems with learning new names, addresses and telephone numbers.
• the speed at which a person can recall something. Many people find they are much slower at remembering things.
• short-term memory, which is very common, right through to total memory loss—amnesia—which affects only a small group of people
• forgetting things that happened before the stroke, leaving gaps in past memories. No memory of a particular event or memory gaps which cover a number of weeks, months or years.

Back to top

What Causes The Problem?

Memory is a complex process. For it to function effectively the brain needs to

• receive information
• store information
• retrieve it as and when it is needed

Many different brain cells are involved in the process and they all need to be healthy for memory to function properly. When a stroke happens, some brain cells involved in memory can be damaged or die.

Does It Affect You?

Your carer, relative or friend can help you assess how your memory problems affect your day-to-day life by observation. Are you remembering to turn the cooker off? Are you forgetting to lock the door?

Is There Any Treatment?

There is no specific medication to help people with memory loss. Ideally, anyone suffering from significant memory difficulties should be referred to a clinical psychologist or specialised occupational therapist who can identify specific memory problems and suggest practical ways of coping.

It is easier to be referred to a clinical psychologist in some areas than others. Ask your GP for advice on the situation in your area.

Does Memory Come Back?

Many people recover their memories completely—although whether or not this happens will depend on the severity of the stroke. After a less severe stroke, memory often returns gradually over a period of weeks or months.

However severe the stroke, most improvement in memory will take place within the first two years. It may be unrealistic to expect further progress after this time.

Back to top

Help Your Memory

Clinical psychologists and occupational therapists can give advice on using memory aids such as wall calendars, memory charts, alarm setting, Dictaphones and suggest memory games. Most memory aids will need some teaching and practise before they can work.

Write Things Down

Use a diary and try to keep to a routine. Set a clock, watch or mobile phone alarm to remind you to look at your diary. Keep a notebook handy to write things down.

Use ‘Prompts’

• leave items that need attention in a place where you will see them
• leave letters for posting at the front door
• leave post-it notes on the front door reminding you to turn the cooker off and lock the door when you go out
• put things back in the same place and label objects to remind you where they go

Use Repetition

• repeat to yourself several times what you have to do and go over it in your mind at regular intervals
• when you are introduced to someone new, repeat his or her name several times at natural points in the conversation. This should help the name to stick in your mind.

Also...

• If something needs doing, try to do it immediately
• concentrate on important things
• rely on the memories of other people

A Memory Game

Hide objects around the house and write a list of where you have put them. Try to memorise your list. The next day, see if you can remember where the objects are without referring to your list.

Back to top