Problems with memory can be caused by many things, such as:

• head injury
• stroke
• dementia
• some medicines
• stress

Managing memory problems

Below are some tips to help you manage memory problems:

Say it or link it

• Repeat things out loud to help yourself remember them.
• Use word associations (finding words that remind you of something) to help remember facts. For example, “My sister lives on Spruce Avenue because she has a big spruce tree on her front lawn.”

Ask for help

• If you don’t remember what someone said, ask them to repeat it.
• If someone else is giving you information to remember, ask them to write it down for you.
• Get a hearing test to check for hearing problems. For some people, unidentified hearing loss can make listening, understanding, and remembering a challenge.
• Ask your pharmacist to package your medicine into separate doses (called pill packs or blister packs) marked with the dates and times to take them.

Write it down

• Write down information you want to remember. Use your phone or keep a notepad.
• Keep a notepad and pencil near the phone to write down messages.

Use tools

• Use an appointment book, date book, or calendar to note important dates and appointments.
• Use the reminders feature on your phone.
• Keep an address book or use the contacts in your phone for important phone numbers and addresses.
• Use a daily checklist for activities and chores you need to do.
• Set an oven timer, a watch with an alarm, or an alarm on your phone to remind you to take medicine or keep an appointment.
• Use a daily or weekly pill box to keep track of your medicine.
• Use a recorder or a recording app for long, important conversations. For example, the My Care Conversations app can record your healthcare visits so you know what your healthcare provider said.

Use visual reminders

• Put sticky notes where you know you will see them. For example, you could put a note on the bathroom mirror that says, “Pick up Oliver at 3 p.m.”).
• To remember to bring certain items with you, put them by the door or with your keys.
• Take photos with your phone of things you want to remember.

Where to get help

Speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help with speech, language, and hearing concerns. Ask your healthcare provider or visit Adult Community Rehabilitation to learn more.​