Memory enhancement strategies

It is possible to find ways of adapting to living with memory problems. Various methods can be used to help people with memory problems store and recall memories more effectively. Possible ways of doing this are:

• following a set routine
• adapting your surroundings
• using external memory aids
• using ‘mnemonics’
• improving general well-being.

Strategies can be combined to help you adapt to living with memory problems.

The following section will outline these strategies in more detail. It is likely to take some time to get used to using the various strategies which can help to enhance your memory. There may be some ‘trial and error’, and it will require effort on your part. However, experience has shown that, once incorporated into your lifestyle, these strategies can be extremely effective and beneficial. It is worth noting here that the key to making these strategies work effectively is organisation and establishing a routine, as this reduces the demands placed on your memory.

Following a set routine

It cannot be stressed enough how important following a routine is to improving your memory. Having a routine means you can get used to what to expect, which helps reduce the demands placed on your memory. A lot of people find it useful to make a note of their regular activities in their diary or on the calendar. Also, always doing things at certain times of the day, for example always taking medication with breakfast can help some people.

Adapting your surroundings

By adapting your surroundings you will have less need to use your memory, and therefore this reduces the difficulties you can experience. This can be achieved in a number of ways:

• keeping a note pad by the phone to take messages
• using a notice board for important information
• having a particular place to keep things, such as keys and glasses, and always putting them in the same place
• labelling cupboards to remind you what goes in them.

People around you can help with this by altering how they do things, or how they respond to you as a person with a memory impairment.

Using external memory aids

There is a wide range of external memory aids and the most important thing is to choose something that you feel comfortable with. What suits one person may not necessarily suit another. For example, pictures or diagrams may be more useful for people who find reading difficult.

Possible memory aids

• diary/calendar    
• tape recorder or Dictaphone
• notebook    
• electronic organiser
• lists, for example shopping lists 
• electronic pager
• alarm clock or timer   
• pill reminder box for medication
• mobile phone with alarm  
• Post-It notes
• wall chart or wipe clean memo board 
• photo album or memory book. 

Getting used to a new memory aid can be quite demanding and it may take you a little while. However, the more you use a memory aid the easier it will become to incorporate into your everyday life. Eventually it will seem like second nature.

It can be easier to use memory aids that you are more familiar with, for example, if you like using modern technology then you may find personal organisers and computer diaries work for you. However, if you are not keen on computers, pen and paper methods such as diaries and calendars may be easier to use.

Mnemonics

A mnemonic is a verbal or visual aid which helps us to remember information, usually in the form of sayings, rhymes or pictures. For example to remember the colours of the rainbow some people in the UK use the rhyme:

Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain
Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet.

Some people find visually pairing items can be useful; one such method is known as the peg method. ‘Pegs’ are used to help you to remember a list of items. Each number is given a rhyming visual cue – ‘one - bun, two - shoe, three - tree, four - door and so on. Using this method you would visualise the first thing you want to remember and associate it with a bun. Other people try to remember information in the form of a story they have made up. These are only suggestions of methods you could use. Often the best thing is to be imaginative and make up ones that are personally relevant and work for you.

Combining a variety of strategies to enhance memory

People with memory difficulties can often find it helpful to use several aids or strategies, so that if one method fails there will be another one as a back-up. Writing on the calendar and using an alarm to remind you of an appointment is one example. It can take time to establish a memory system but, once it has been set up and is used frequently, it can be very effective.

Improving well-being

Living with memory problems, you may often feel vulnerable and unsure of yourself. Given the practical difficulties of memory problems you may experience some anxiety. Anxiety management and the use of relaxation techniques can therefore be beneficial. In the UK, your GP will be able to give you advice on where you can get information on this.

Factors causing a reduction in well-being can include a loss of structure to your daily routine (for example losing your job) or a general loss of independence, status or role. This can be exaggerated if it is accompanied by other factors, such as an inability to drive and a dependence on others. Improvements in well-being can be achieved in a number of ways, for example through developing new activities or hobbies. It can also be helpful to talk to others experiencing similar problems and to find out if there are any organisations or support groups in the area that may be useful.