Thinking and Perception

Stroke can affect your thinking skills or cognition. This can include problems with:

• Orientation – not knowing what day it is, as well as not knowing where you are and who the people around you are
• Short term memory – not remembering things that happened recently
• Attention – having a short attention span and being easily distracted
• Problem solving – having trouble solving a problem, which requires memory, planning and the ability to make decisions
• Planning and sequencing  – being  unable to start a task because you don’t know where to begin or doing things in the wrong order
• Judgement – making choices that don’t make sense, or make you unsafe or uncomfortable
• Insight – having difficulty understanding your abilities and limitations.

Being tired, emotional or stressed can make it harder to think clearly. Busy or noisy environments can make it hard too.

Researchers used to believe the brain pathways were fixed or unchangeable. This meant if a function was performed by a certain area of the brain, it could only be performed by that area. They believed any damage that wasn't repaired within a few months would be permanent. However research now indicates the brain has the ability to change. This is called neuroplasticity and it has a big impact on our cognitive recovery after stroke.

Talk to your doctor if you are having difficulties with your thinking. An occupational therapist or neuropsychologist can assess you to determine your specific problems and suggest things that can help. Simple strategies such as keeping a diary, using a medication manager or phone alarms can help. Limit noise and other distractions when you are trying to concentrate. Enlist the help or family and friends. Most importantly, make time to rest and relax – recovery is hard work.