HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · JULY 2018
TIPS AND TRICKS TO IMPROVE MEMORY AFTER A STROKE
Memory loss is a normal part of aging . However , remembering can get significantly more difficult following a stroke . A stroke , depending on the site of origin and severity , can affect many areas of the brain that influence language , mobility and / or memory .
Additionally , individuals may suffer from aphasia after a stroke . This happens when the part of the brain that is responsible for language is damaged . Aphasia may impair a person ’ s understanding and expression of language , along with reading and writing . According to the National Aphasia Association , about one million people in the United States have aphasia .
" Aphasia often causes word deficits for individuals ,” says Lenore Salas , Speech Pathologist at Weslaco Regional Rehabilitation Hospital . “ Not being able to find the words that an individual wants to say can be quite frustrating .”
Salas works daily with patients suffering from both memory loss and aphasia . She suggests practical ways for her patients and their families to deal with both , including participation in social , church and / or volunteer activities that promote cognitive stimulation .
“ YOUR BRAIN IS LIKE A MUSCLE ,” SHE SAYS . “ IF YOU DON ’ T USE IT , YOU ’ LL LOSE IT .”
Salas provides the following tips to help with memory loss , whether you have suffered a stroke or not :
ASSOCIATION : Attach new information with what you already know . It ’ s easier to remember something if you can tag it to something already stored in your memory . For example , if you meet someone named Jesse , think of Jesse James . Or , if you have daily medicine you take every morning but always forget to feed your fish , put the fish food next to your medicine to help you remember to feed your fish .
VISUALIZATION : Train yourself to picture in your mind what it is you want to remember , and make it dramatic . If you ’ re trying to recall something from the past , try to relive the situation . If you want to remember something for the future , imagine what the situation would be like . And since we tend to remember things that are bizarre , dramatize the situation . For example , if you need to remember to pick up bread after work , imagine yourself at the grocery store with a loaf of bread 100 feet long .
REPETITION : For small information , like a chore that needs done or a deadline that needs to be met , repeat it to yourself over and over throughout the day . For larger information , like a speech or itinerary , break it up into segments and learn it bit by bit . Once you know the first segment , then add the next -- do this over a few days .
WRITE IT DOWN : For those with poorer memory , especially those who have suffered a stroke and are now dealing with aphasia , it helps tremendously to compensate for your impairments by writing things down . Whether they are important dates , deadlines , thoughts , or experiences , write them down . Practice keeping a journal or even simply writing down your grocery list .
According to the American Stroke Association , other useful tips to help improve memory , especially for those with aphasia , are to interact with your loved ones on a regular basis and to sing your favorite songs .
June is National Aphasia Awareness Month . To learn more about Aphasia Services at Weslaco Regional Rehabilitation Hospital , call 956-975-6903 .
28 HEALTHY MAGAZINE