Problems with memory can be caused by many things, such as:

• stress
  
• some medicines
  
• head injury
• stroke
• dementia
• normal aging

​​​​​How can I manage problems with my memory?

Below are some suggestions to help you manage memory problems.

• If you don’t remember what someone has said, ask them to repeat it.
• Repeat things out loud to help yourself remember them.
• Write down information that you want to remember. Keep a notepad in your wallet, purse, or pocket to write down information, conversations, messages, or lists.
• Keep a notepad and pencil near the phone to write down messages.
• Ask other people to write down information that you need to remember.
• Put post-it notes in visible spots as reminders (e.g., put notes on the bathroom mirror such as “Pick up Judy at 3:00”).
  
• Use an appointment book, date book, or calendar to write important dates and appointments.
• Use a daily checklist to remind you of activities and chores you need to do.
• Keep an address book for important phone numbers and addresses.
• Use an oven timer or a watch with an alarm to remind you to take medicine or to keep an appointment.
• Use a tape recorder for long, important conversations.
• Use word associations (finding words that remind you of something) to help remember facts (e.g., “Remember that my sister lives on Spruce Avenue because she has a big spruce tree on her front lawn.”)
• Use a daily or weekly pill box (also called a dosette) to keep track of medicine. Your pharmacist may be able to do this for you.
• Write down people’s names and/or their relationship to you in a book or on cue cards (e.g., if you can’t remember the names of people in a social group, write down their names to help you at the meetings).
• To remember to bring certain items with you, put them by the door or with your keys.​
  
• Take photos (E.g. take a photo of a magazine article or a car you’d like to discuss with your spouse later)
  

Where to go get help

For more information about how speech-language pathologists and audiologists can help, contact:

• Your doctor, public health nurse, or other health provider
• Your local health centre