Some Tips for Managing Memory Loss
by: Gill
So sorry to read of your fiance's problems with memory. I can totally sympathise, as I still suffer with long and short term memory loss due to Meningitis in 2008.
One of the things that was pointed out to me was that my usual methods of remembering were no longer serving me well, as writing things down means I loose them or indeed still forget them.
My Occupational therapist suggested that I try using a voice recorder, camera, and also my mobile phone to-do list with alarm to prompt me. Despite being someone who always liked the written word, I am finding the voice recorder more helpful.
Every morning I firstly write a short list of To Do's, appointments, etc., then transfer these to my voice recorder. It seems that by speaking out loud the information I find myself more easily remembering things before the alarm goes off to remind me.
Before I started using the voice recorder I lived from minute to minute and could totally forget what I was doing within seconds. It got so distressing that I really wasn't safe to do anything unsupervised as I would burn food, leave the cooker on.
The fact your fiance is reluctant to write down may point to fact that this strategy is not working for his damaged brain, and he needs to try something else?
I don't know how long ago you posted, but do wish you and your fiance all the very best and hope that he has received some neuro psych assessment by now.
There is a lot of great info online - Google brain injury memory problems. HEADWAY is a very useful website for anyone with brain injury and has lots free fact sheets to download on different aspects.
The other strategy that's helping greatly is using my camera to basically make a daily diary in photos. I can then download them and look back over them. This is helping with remembering sequences of events and places I have been.
My own experience after Meningitis has been one of no after care at all, except for my physical damage to balance and migraines. I had no neuro assessment, as doctors just said as long as memory wasn't worsening then I just have to live with the limitations and develop suitable strategies - which I researched myself.
Because I had an illness which was said to be cured when I survived, they didn't seem to think I needed any rehab re the brain injury.
Hope this may help.
Best wishes,
Gill - See more at: http://www.memory-improvement-tips.com/memory-problems-from-blood-clot-in-heart.html#sthash.NDp7mxxH.dpuf