Memory loss after a stroke. What it involves and what can help.
NORMAN Neurological Rehabilitation Centre
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A surprising phenomenon often seen in older people is an excellent memory for situations, places and events from many, many years ago. At the same time, it can be puzzling that these same people do not remember situations that happened only moments earlier. This is, in a sense, natural. Memory loss in the context of a stroke is a different matter.
What does memory loss after a stroke mean?
Memory loss after a stroke needs to be looked at from several angles. There may be verbal problems, such as difficulty remembering words, names, stories, accounts or simple pieces of information related to everyday life. These kinds of deficits are addressed by therapy for memory disorders. Problems with visual perception also appear, when recognising shapes and faces, finding one’s way and identifying familiar places become difficult.
This is often accompanied by frustration and a fear of getting lost in seemingly familiar places. We may struggle to remember information and fail to follow established rules, which feel like something new and incomprehensible. At the same time, difficulty learning new things appears.
To help yourself, it is worth setting fixed places for the things that need to stay under your control, such as keys, clothing or cleaning products. Particularly troublesome after a stroke is a general sense of dullness caused by the loss of the ability to think. Notes, association pictures, the words of a favourite song or reminders of what household appliances are for and how to use them in a moment of confusion can all be helpful.
These are supportive measures for both the person after a stroke and their carers. They do not belittle the patient, but instead give a little comfort in everyday life.
Simplicity and repetition – a motto after a stroke for good brain health.
If we eliminate bad habits related to taking medication, using stimulants and poor nutrition, we stand a chance of improving memory. This usually takes time, therapy and, above all, consistency in exercising the memory. Here, neuropsychological rehabilitation is helpful, because you need to prepare for the long-term recovery of skills related to remembering and recognising, through holistic rehabilitation.
After a stroke, the most important thing is to begin treatment and therapy in order to avoid further events. In some cases, medication support is essential; in others it plays a supporting role. Rehabilitation, however, remains a compulsory part of care from the moment the patient’s general condition has stabilised.
Remembering can be made easier through fixed habits, such as taking the same route to a favourite shop, having meals and hobbies at set times or following established routines in the kitchen or when getting ready in the bathroom. Notes or a calendar can help with this, though it is worth remembering to use letters and pictures of a suitable size, because visual and perceptual disturbances can occur after a stroke.
There are many techniques that stimulate the brain and improve concentration and thinking. The brain has to switch onto new tracks and begin to take over the functions of areas shut down by the stroke. This can happen during speech therapy exercises, coordination and motor exercises, therapies using specialist devices, computer programs, biofeedback and electronic apps that bring together neurological rehabilitation programmes.
Besides regular physiotherapy exercises, chosen individually for each patient, it is very important to discover new possibilities, including in the area of hobbies. This helps to engage the mind and body at the same time, combining therapy with enjoyment and satisfaction.
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