Memory
| Physical | Communication | Cognitive | Behavioural / Emotional |
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Memory is almost always affected by a brain injury. The brain may struggle to take in, store, process or find information. There are four types of memory which can be affected, either individually or in combination. The different types of memory are:
- Short-term memory – the ability to hold a small amount of information for about twenty seconds
- Long-term memory – the ability to hold and retrieve information for as little as a few days and as long as a few decades
- Retrograde memory – the ability to recall events that occurred prior to the injury
- Anterograde memory – the ability to recall events that occurred after the injury
Short term memory is more commonly affected by brain injury. Some people may be unable to remember faces or names, or what they have read, or what has been said to them. New learning may be affected, while previously learned skills may still be intact. This is because the damaged brain is now unable to organise and remember new material. Fatigue and sleep problems, poor health, medications, stress, and strong emotions can all acerbate ongoing memory problems.
Memory problems can be aided by using reminders, setting a routine, use of memory strategies, organisation, breaking information down, using daily planners or to do lists, taking notes and use of technology such as electronic organisers.
