When applying memory strategies, it’s important to understand that people are different, and you must fit the strategy to the specific circumstances. Some solutions work well for some people, and not at all for others. Sometimes things that work now may not work in the future but will work in another week. You must be flexible enough to keep trying, and to keep attempting new solutions.
Relax
The most important tip of all!
Memory is generally better when the time that is needed is taken to store and recall information.
As we age, it takes a little more time to both store and to recall; that’s a fact of life for everyone, so older folks should not panic if they cannot recall something immediately.
Try to relax for a moment, perhaps thinking about something else, and allow the information to come back.
It is crucial to allow plenty of time to complete a thought to express yourself, or to complete a task. When we are rushed for time, there is a good chance our memory will ‘slip’.
Focus
No more multi-tasking. Focus on one thing at a time, and you will do it well.
If you are under stress, or anxious about something, you may find it difficult to concentrate on just one idea or task. If necessary, getting professional help from a counselor, close friend/family member, or member of the clergy can provide direction to help with the sadness, the stress or with overwhelming life events.
This will help the memory to function normally again.
Peace and Quiet
Finding a quiet place can be very helpful in remembering something.
It isn’t surprising that you can remember much better when you are away from noise and distractions like the television, or heavy traffic sounds.
A quiet place that is free of echoes is especially important for people with a hearing problem.
Emotion
Memories made during a very emotional time tend to be lasting memories.
As with being anxious, being depressed or sad may reduce the ability to remember. In some cases, someone with depression may lose energy and interest and may pay less attention to activities around them. When that happens, they have no chance to even make a memory of what took place.
Cues
Many times, it is easier to remember when prompted with a “cue”. A cue may be a “hint” or other reminder about the item or event you are trying to recall.
If you can think about the general category, the time, or the people involved, it will provide a cue to what you are trying to remember.
Other Good Ideas
Fresh is Best – For best results, you need to be rested and not upset or tired.
Repeat It – Repetition may help you remember. Memory loss will progress slowly. In the early stages it can still work to make memories, but you may have to work a bit harder than was necessary in your past.
Group It – Putting things into categories can make them simpler to remember. If you were going to the grocery store and wanted to buy milk, soda, oranges and bananas, you could put the items into groups of drinks (milk and soda) and fruit (oranges and bananas).
Imagine It – Create a picture in your mind. If the mental image is strange or silly, it becomes easier to remember.
Attach it – Usually people remember things that are important to them, or that have great meaning. Try to decide why whatever it is you want to remember is important to you.
Make a Plan
The following is a sample of a daily schedule. This can be adjusted to your needs. You can use a page a day or write this information on a white board to reference every day.
DAILY SCHEDULE
DRINK SIX GLASSES OF WATER
MEDICATION
Morning/8 AM
Afternoon
Evening/Bedtime
MEALS
BREAKFAST
LUNCH
DINNER
SNACK
BOOST/ENSURE/THRIVE
EXERCISE
30 MINS OF PHYSICAL EXERCISE
30 MINS OF BRAIN EXERCISE
Please talk with your own/loved one’s healthcare provider before using any of this information.
