Tips on supporting your memory – Memory Assessment and Management Service – Educational Group

This leaflet aims to provide quick advice on what you can do to with regards to common problems people with a memory problem commonly develop.

What might help
1. Have a routine
2. Keep items in the same place, e.g. keys, glasses
3. Take notes, e.g. use shopping lists
4. Use memory aids – diaries, post-it notes, calendars, notice boards
5. Repeat information
6. Use prompts and cues

What might help
1. Ask family to read things out.
2. Offer help to write e.g. cards.

What might help
1. Give yourself extra time to respond
2. Use non-verbal communication: gestures, pointing, showing
3. Make use of pictures
4. For family – try to talk slowly and clearly!
5. Rephrase questions, make them simpler
6. Try not to answer for the person

What might help

1. Good organisation – keep things in the same place if possible
2. Good contrast and lighting; make sure things you need stand out eg dark crockery on a white tablecloth
3. Use other senses and find non-visual activities eg describe things to the person, singing and dancing are good activities
4. For family – give the person more time to see and adjust

What might help
1. Get help with sequencing tasks (do things step by step, e.g. dressing)
2. Focus on the steps involved in a task and not on the end result
3. For family – give the person more time, use gentle guiding, give reminders

What might help
1. Do one task at a time
2. Break down tasks step by step, allow more time
3. Reduce distractions to help focus attention eg remove background noise eg TV, radio or other conversations
4. Help the person to get started by providing prompts and setting things out eg put items required for preparing a meal out in order
5. You can use written instructions

What might help
1. Family to remember that this might be related to the dementia and not done on purpose.
2. Someone may be feeling sad or frustrated because of their memory problems and it may help to talk about this.
3. If a task is getting you all worked up (you or your carer), have a break if possible, and return to it later when feeling calmer. This is more likely to be successful.

If you have a memory illness, make sure you…
– Keep doing things you enjoy;
– Socialise, have fun and are active!
– Look after your health and your diet;
– Try not to get embarrassed if you forget something;
– Talk to others if you notice that you are becoming low in mood or anxious;
– Do one thing at a time and break tasks down;
– Take your time – there is no need to hurry;
– Don’t be too hard on yourself;
– Focus on enjoyment and participation rather than achievement;
– Identify which time of day is best for you.

For family and friends, make sure you…
– Also keep doing activities you enjoy – you need to look after yourself;
– Find ways to support the memory problems, but do not take over;
– You can help your loved one by starting an activity;
– You could help by demonstrating and supporting through difficult parts;
– Take a team approach and do tasks together;
– Maybe join a carers group – it can be good to get more support.

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (eg Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre Tel: 0191 246 7288

Published by the Patient Information Centre

2024 Copyright, Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust

Ref, PIC/842/0124 January 2024 V2

www.cntw.nhs.uk Tel: 0191 246 7288

Review date 2027

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