Dealing with memory

Dealing with memory and concentration

Identify the time of day when you are at your best and use this for demanding mental tasks.  You may want to plan this so that it is scheduled in with rest breaks.

• Have a designated place for important items like keys.

• Pace mental activity as you would physical activity.

• Write things down when you think of them.  You could carry round a list or keep one in the same place – it does not matter if you write the same thing down 10 times!

• Cut down on what you absolutely have to remember – do not try to remember anything you could write down.

• Ask people to repeat back and paraphrase information to ensure it’s understood.

• Ensure minimal distraction – e.g. noise or conversations.

• Leave notes for yourself.

• Input appointments/tasks in your mobile phone – most have alarms as a reminder. 

• Use a diary/calendar to record appointments, birthdays etc. and things to do. 

• Carry around a notebook.

• Have a message pad by the telephone.

• Have one place to keep reminders or messages you are likely to look at each day.

• Repeat information to yourself that you wish to remember.

• Use fridge magnets for messages or reminders.

• Give yourself a few moments before you do something to get it clear in your head.

• Use Post-it notes.

• Focus on one task at a time.

• Do tasks that require concentration when you are mentally at your best.

• Know your limitations.

• Get family/friend/carer to write things down in your book and remind you to refer to it.

• Have a note pad by the bed for if you remember things at night.