Frequently Asked Questions

Memory questions

Q. Will my memory ever get back to normal?
A. Unfortunately it is very difficult to predict what improvements may or may not occur. Some people may find that their memory improves spontaneously over time. However, this may not be the case for everyone. There are things that you can do to help you remember things. Some of these can be found on the strategies and information page such as a diary, calendar or whiteboard.

Q. Are there any exercises or games that will help to improve my memory?
A. The memory is not like a muscle and usually will not improve just through exercising it. It is more effective to concentrate on strategies to manage your memory including using a notepad or a personal organiser. If you get into the habit of using these approaches early on, then it is easier to live with a less than perfect memory later-as you already have ways of helping it along.

Q. Can you recommend any books that would be useful for myself or my relatives?
A. Yes, the following books may be useful:
a) ‘Coping with Memory Problems’ by B. Wilson
b) ‘Memory’ by A. Baddeley.

Q. Will writing things down stop my memory improving?
A. No, it may even help it work better day to day. When you write something down you are really giving your brain bit more practice in remembering a particular fact.

Q. How are relatives affected?
A. They can get irritated, burdened, mistrusted or all three. Arguments can blow up about who said or did what- so life can get stressful. If you have a memory problem, always try and give your nearest and dearest the benefit of the doubt- they are probably the ones who are in the right about what they remember.

Notepad

Benefits

Q. What benefits am I entitled to?
A. There are many different benefits that exist. The Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) or Dial will be able to assist you to find out which ones you can claim. They will also help you to fill in the forms. Their contact details can be found on the links page.

Equipment

Q. What equipment can help me and where can I get it?
A. Your occupational therapist can advise you on where to get equipment and may be able to recommend what equipment you need and order it for you. The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) in Shrewsbury also has equipment that you can try and they will be able to advise you on where you can buy this equipment.

Q. I have difficulty opening cans, is there something I can buy to help me?
A. There are lots of different gadgets around that may be helpful depending on what you have difficulty with. There are gadgets that can hold the can for you and there are also tin openers around that can be used one handed. The best option is to get in touch with your occupational therapist to ask their advice or visit the DRC.

Practical solutions!

Q. How do I carry a drink upstairs when there is no-one to help me?
A. You could get a small kettle and keep small pots of coffee, tea, hot chocolate etc. upstairs to use when you are up there. You could also get whitener or dried milk so that you can keep that upstairs as well.

Q. How can I conserve energy?
A. Recognise that you have a problem with fatigue and prioritise. Try keeping a basket by the stairs and only going up once a day if possible. Make sure you pace yourself and plan for activities that will tire you. For example, if you want to go out on Saturday night be prepared to have an easy day on Friday and to be very tired on Sunday. You need to weigh up whether the activity is worth coping with the fatigue that will follow.