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

Memory Problems

Memory problems are very common after stroke. Some brain cells involved in memory can be damaged or die. How you are affected will depend on how much damage your stroke has caused.

Problems range from difficulty with your short–term memory (very common) to total memory loss (quite rare).

• How you may be affected
• Does memory come back?
• Helping your memory

How you may be affected

Ways you may be affected include:

• Difficulty remembering names etc (verbal memory): more common if your stroke has affected the right side of your body.
• Difficulty remembering faces etc (visual memory): more common if your stroke has affected the left side of your body.
• Difficulty remembering new information, e.g. learning new names, addresses and telephone numbers.
• Being slower at remembering things.
• Forgetting things that happened before your stroke, e.g. no memory of a particular event or memory gaps.

Your family, friends or carer can help you assess how your memory problems affect your day–to–day life. Simple methods can often be worked out to overcome specific problems once they have been identified.

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Does memory come back?

Many people recover their memories completely. Your recovery will depend on the severity of your stroke. After a less severe stroke, memory often returns gradually over a period of weeks or months.

However severe your stroke, most improvement in your memory will take place within the first 2 years. It may be unrealistic to expect further progress after this time.

Helping your memory

Talk to your GP about being referred to a clinical psychologist to help you identify what your memory problems are and find ways of coping.

Memory aids can be useful tools, e.g. wall calendars, memory charts, alarm setting and dictaphones.

A clinical psychologist or occupational therapist can give you advice about what memory aids are available as well as how to use them. You will need to practise with your memory aid(s).

Other ways to help your memory include:

• Writing things down: e.g. 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 to jog your memory: e.g. leave items that need attention in a place where you will obviously 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: e.g. 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.
• Try 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.
• Plan and prioritise: if something needs doing, try to do it immediately. Concentrate on important things.

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