Hi Laura,
Thanks for reaching out to the Stroke Foundation through EnableMe. I am sorry to hear about your stroke, and some of the difficulties you have had. I am really glad that you have reached out.
Unfortunately, what you are experiencing is common post stroke, which I understand can be frustrating to hear.
I hope some of the recommendations below are of use, and you are able to start seeing an improvement in your memory.
I would suggest connecting with a neuropsychologist if you haven’t already done so. They may work with you to assist with your memory, and other cognitive changes post stroke. A neuropsychology assessment may be required to establish a treatment plan or to provide further rehabilitation recommendations. You can ask your GP for a referral.
Additionally, you could link in with an occupational therapist. I would recommend doing so, as they may also be able to work with you to discuss practical strategies and tools to assist concentration, thinking and memory. If you are not currently linked with an OT, I would suggest getting a referral from your GP.
Here are some additional resources that may provide further assistance.
https://enableme.org.au/en/Community/Podcasts/Memory-loss
https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Psychology-and-neuropsychology
https://enableme.org.au/Resources/Thinking-and-Perception
Additionally, below I've provided some information regarding clinical trials that are known to us. You may find it beneficial to participate. Feel free to read through the links for further information.
I hope this information proves useful.
Feel free to reach out with more questions or concerns.
We can be contacted at StrokeLine on 1800 787 653 or strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au
All the best,
Chaya and Kath (StrokeLine)
Hi Laura,
Here is advice from the Stroke Foundation Facebook community too.
Ree Alice If you don’t qualify for or cannot afford professional services, then puzzles and games do help. I was told by a professional person to do jigsaws whilst listening to classical music, which I did and sometimes still do. Games - all different types such as brain games, word games, puzzles as well as jigsaws - on iPad or phone I still do daily, deleting them if they no longer challenge, and then downloading some new ones. Whilst apps are helpful I don’t use them to help memorise anything apart from a diary. I write lists and notes to help with shopping etc, test my memory by concentrating on certain events or periods of my life and recalling details, even trying to recall what I ate or did the day or week before as sometimes even that can be challenging!! Nutritionally I eat no gluten or grains (brain fog etc comes on if I consume them) and keep mostly to anti inflammatory foods and ensure I take vitamins and supplements which help both body and brain. However we’re all different so it’s best to get tested for any deficiencies there. Go for optimal levels, not “normal ranges”. Movement is good, lymphatic exercises help (either specific exercises or bouncing on a rebounder), walking is great if you can manage it. Learn to manage stress better in whatever way works - meditation, gardening, etc. Sleep and rest is vital. Last but not least, be kind to yourself. Your brain has taken a big hit and it takes time to recover. Some things we may never get back but I like to think I can keep improving in some way. All the best. 💕
Nyree Hopkins Hey there, I had a stroke 3 years ago... my memory was impacted a lot. I’m still doing speech therapy & she is helping me a lot with my memory. But there are lots you can do by yourself that have been suggested here as well.
Good luck! N🙂
Pauline Taylor Hi Lauren, personally I have used repetition and used apps on my iPad to help my brain function. Memory games, spelling, jigsaws, colouring. I found these very helpful. Your place of stroke and reason for all play a part though in your rehabilitation.
Suzie Henry Both would be helpful. To you they have been for me .nero psych will help pin point the ot work . Where are you located I had a awesome team at Hunter brain injury.
Younia John Michael Khamis Princes of Wales hospital is the best specially Dr Elizabeth hoovy.
Amalia Young I had a cva when I was 24 right PCA in 2016, memory retention is a big issue I face as well I had a neuropsych assessment done which helped pin point things that would trigger memory. Example with me visual if something is explained to me with visual aids I am more likely to remember it. So at work my boss speaks to me as well as emails me the direction she needs me to follow etc.
I also got advised of brain workouts (can find these on google) my balance was/is a little off. Hope this helps good luck with your recovery.
Pip Hicks I do all the above but I also took myself off to bridge -card game
That will and does test your brain and memory
Brilliant!
Lee McKenna My stroke was also about. 18 months. Ago. I decided To work on my rehab At home every day. I. Do. Word puzzles. Every. Day. Jigsaws all on the I pad. I also try and support other survivors
Meegan Allen I am only 5 months post & have a lot of reminders on my phone, a diary for backup and also play a lot of games on my phone, especially memory games, concentration games and puzzles. It has helped a lot.
Cheryl Enders My stroke was 18 mths ago, my memory and cognitive areas were affected. I've improved slowly, more noticeably of late.😀 I've been doing various therapies to stimulate my brain as others here have mentioned. Some of my therapy has been conducted through the hospital I was a patient at.
Glenys McLaughlin Neuropsychologist and OT will be able to help. Avoiding overdoing it is *really* important. Don’t push too hard - you’ll only exacerbate the memory issues. Your phone is your best tool - put everything in your calendar, with reminders. Make notes on your phone. Apps can help - Cogniss Brain Training was good, but I’m not sure if it’s still available. I was recommended KeenMind - a herbal supplement that has been clinically proved to improve memory. And eat well. Plenty of sleep.
Glenys McLaughlin Also, there are lots of books out there on memory. One of the neuropsychologists I saw has written a book which is mostly directly at maintaining a healthy brain into older age, but which I found helpful. Here is a book I read.