Memory loss after brain injury is common.  Some form of memory loss is likely, whatever the cause of the brain injury.

You have probably already read, or seen this for yourself.  You have probably also noticed that it’s an important aspect of brain injury that I have not yet tackled here.

Why not?

Well I found it a bit overwhelming. Where to start? How to do it right when it is such a complex, but vital subject.

Today is the day. It’s time. I decided to make a start.

How to make a start?  “Chunking tasks” came to mind as a way to manage being overwhelmed by a topic. Breaking the topic down into smaller more manageable chunks. Here then is the first chunk; a brief overview of memory loss after brain injury.

Memory, Me, and The Flight Safety Demo

Let me begin by telling you about how I use some of what I learned about memory when I travel by plane.

Whenever I travel on a plane. Even though I have heard it many, many, times over the years. I  ALWAYS watch the flight safety demonstration.

Why?

Memory.

One of the things I learned about memory is that the more we repeat a skill, task, or hear information, the more likely it is the memory will be stored away, strengthened, and easier to recall.

So I have built my own theory, based on this. for flight safety demos which goes like this:

• I listen, and hear the same instructions repeated each time I fly.
• This memory is frequent and complete enough that it is hopefully properly and thoroughly stored away.
• My brain has also been instructed under what circumstances this memory needs to be recalled. “Should an oxygen mask appear – do X”

Therefore I think:

It is more likely that if there was a real emergency my memory of what to do will be thoroughly stored away, ready to be recalled on demand.

My responses would be automatic, based on the instructions I have heard over and over, and absorbed.

If you are not familiar with air safety demo instructions this one from Air NZ, based around ‘The Hobbit’ is a bit more entertaining than most.

If you have some information that might burst my bubble on this theory – please don’t tell me, I am happy in my memory-safety-bubble!

If you have other examples or information to share please leave them in the Comments below, that would be wonderful.

The Basics of Memory

I have developed my theory upon the basics of functioning memory;

1. Memory involves you being able to collect, store and recall. Not just words and information,also skills and tasks. Each of those pieces is involved in a flight safety demonstration.
2. Memory also involves being able to discard, or to forget, information not needed. The reason I keep watching safety demonstrations is that I do not want my memory to discard that information as temporary or unimportant.
3. Memory involves being able to make decisions on what needs to be kept. What to store for a short time, or for a longer time. I want to know how to put on my safety gear, help others and evacuate a plane if this should be needed.

Brain injury can interrupt any, or all of these processes.

Key Points About Memory Loss After Brain Injury

Different parts of the brain are thought to be responsible for different aspects of memory. Therefore different (and not all) functions of memory may be affected:

• Not being able to remember how to do a once familiar task
• Difficulty with learning new skills or information,
• Remembering events from the past but not yesterday.

Difficulty with memory will affect each person differently such as:

• not being able to remember people’s names
• forgetting where things have been put
• not being able to remember what what has happened over recent days
• forgetting what has been said and repeat information
• repeatedly asking the same questions over and over again even when the answer is given
  • OR any combination of each of these and more.

Tips and Suggestions for Memory Loss after Brain Injury

Here are some simple, starting out strategies that may assist a person with memory changes:

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• Repetition, Repetition, Repetition. Remember the Flight Safety Demo Theory!
• Focus on memory for what is important. Remembering a name of a distant acquaintance might not be a priority but remembering your home address might be.
• Encourage the use of prompts and questions to promote memory and recall.
• Where possible give prompts and practice recalling, before giving the answer, or information.
• Repeat information as often as is necessary.
• Try to find memory aids that fit with a person’s age, interests and lifestyle. Whether to use high technology versus low technology aids. The use of a diary, mobile phone, computer prompts, making lists, or visual cues.
• Provide the training, assistance, and support needed to enable correct and successful use of any aids. Examples might include use of alarm systems, whiteboard, Post It notes, journal.
• Develop structure & regular routines to reduce demands on memory.
• Store items in consistent places and always return them to the same place.
• Use labels to assist finding and remembering things.
• Encourage the person to record messages and reminders e.g. in their mobile phone, diary, computer, whiteboard.
• Try and establish how memory is affected. Use specific strategies to respond: e.g. if verbal memory is a problem, then maybe try using visual cues.
• Remember the functions of memory are found throughout the brain. Just because a person remembers one area of life does not mean they can remember all.

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And Finally

A quote from one of my favourite sites. Nothing to do with brain injury. Don’t let that stop you it is wonderful. From www.brainpickings.org:

“We’ve seen the many ways in which our memory can be our merciless traitor: it is not a recording device but a practitioner of creative plagiarism, a terrible timekeeper, and the bent backbone in the anatomy of lying. How, then, can this essential human faculty become our ally?”

You can test out and play with your own memory and its workings here WELCOME TO YOUR MEMORY!