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Memory Problems?

Working with an Occupational Therapist may help to provide other tips and strategies for improving your memory or compensating for your poor memory.

Memory is the ability to learn and remember information.

Memory involves three steps:

  1. Understanding the experience. (INPUT)
  2. Storing the experience in the brain. (STORAGE or THROUGH-PUT)
  3. Retrieving the memory or “remembering” the experience. (RETRIEVAL or OUT-PUT)

If you have difficulty with even one of these steps, you could experience difficulty with your memory.

Some examples of why you might struggle with memory: aphasia following a stroke; poor concentration or attention; distracted; language barriers; slower processing speed; concussion or brain injury; dementia; stress; depression; anxiety.

If you have problems with step 2, you will likely find learning new information very challenging. A few strategies to try include:

  • Break complex information into simple steps.
  • Write the steps down.
  • Practice the steps. Repetition is very important.
  • Allow ample time for the learning of new information – don’t rush.

Working with an Occupational Therapist may help to provide other tips and strategies for improving your memory or compensating for your poor memory.