What Are the Treatments for Visual Memory Problems?

Visual memory is the ability to comprehend and retain visual information. People with visual memory problems often find it difficult to remember faces, shapes or phone numbers. While there is no cure, there are ways to improve visual memory, as well as various coping strategies.

Memory Training

• When done regularly, mental exercises can help strengthen visual memory. One common method is to spend a few moments looking at a picture, and then try to remember details about the image after it has been removed from sight.

Puzzles & Games

• Memory games, picture searches and word puzzles are good tools for improving visual memory skills. These types of fun activities are especially helpful for children, who may lack the patience and discipline to do routine memory exercises by themselves.

Vitamins & Herbal Remedies

• In addition to general health benefits, vitamins and herbal supplements can increase oxygen flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive functions. Two natural supplements that have shown positive effects on memory and retention are Ginkgo Biloba and Vitamin B-12.

Hormone Therapy

• New research suggests that hormone therapy may improve memory function for women. A study published by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that a group of postmenopausal women on hormone therapy showed higher levels of brain activity during a visual memory test.

Coping Strategies

• Since people with visual memory problems find it difficult to store information that they see or read, audio alternatives are often very helpful. For example, a person could listen to an audio book rather than reading text, or dictate thoughts into a tape recorder for later transcription.