Brain aneurysm survivors
will likely experience deficits caused by the event or the
treatment, and the area most commonly impacted is memory.
There are two kinds of memory. Long term memory is the
repository of learned information, and experiences from our
more distant past. These would include family, mathematical
tables, and historical facts. Short term memory includes
more recently acquired information, from recent experiences,
conversations, and current events.
Memory involves many
facets of the brain, and whatever function depends on the
damaged area, will be problematic. It is memory that is more
frequently impacted. The healing process in some cases
includes all aspects of memory, but in others, there can be
short-term memory problems for years.
There are strategies to help the survivor cope with these
deficits, and they involve absorbing, storing, and
recalling. To absorb more clearly, one should try to
associate the new information with something old, or to link
it. Also to avoid overload, long sentences should be
shortened and larger matters broken into smaller, more
easily understood components, to simplify it.
Repetition of a new bit of information immediately and then
again after a few minutes, helps to store information more
clearly. Recall can be the most challenging aspect.
Organization of the information is best done with external
aids like sticky notes, daily planners, calendars, and even
tape recorders. Writing down information is critical, and a
pin board of tasks to be accomplished has been found to be
very helpful. Also standard daily routines are better
remembered and with less frustration.
As
physical exercise tones our body, mental exercise improves
our mind’s functions. Playing games, word searches, cards,
and crossword puzzles are very helpful. There are many
computer-based programs available to stimulate the thinking
process. Two were mentioned as being quite beneficial at a
recent support group meeting; www.gamesforthebrain.com and
www.eyetricks.cm/braingames.
A
Google search will develop many others. There are other
useful products from www.hammacher.com and Cognitive
Exercises for Language Intervention, by Joel B. Lawrence.
Memory is our ability to accurately recall activities,
conversations and information. I read a quote by Carl
Buechner that is worthy of being remembered, “they may
forget what you said, but they will never forget how you
made them feel.” |
