Tools for Managing Short Term Memory Loss

Short-term memory loss can be a frightening experience. It can be caused by various factors, ranging from dementia and cardiovascular disorders to depression and normal aging. Short-term memory loss can also be a side effect of chemotherapy and such diseases as encephalitis and meningitis. Treatment of memory loss often depends on first identifying the cause.

Avoid Drug and Alcohol Use

• Overuse of alcohol and drugs can exacerbate or even cause short-term memory loss. Cutting back on consumption of these substances can help ameliorate memory loss.

Write Things Down

• One easy tool to manage short-term memory loss is a note pad that you can keep with you to write down everything you want to remember. Keep a written calendar and to-do list with all the information you might need about a given event or activity, including times, locations and contact information. Make sure you have lists of vital inforation, including important phone numbers and all your medication information. Write down the steps on how to do tasks if need be.

Keep Everything in its Place

• Short-term memory loss often causes a person to put something down and forget where it is. You can help manage this problem by having a place for everything and making a point of putting everything in its place. Leave your keys, your watch and your eyeglasses in the same place every day when you're done using them. If you find yourself setting something down in an unusual location, state the location out loud, saying something like, "I am putting the keys on the kitchen counter."

Keep a Journal

• Keeping a journal is a handy tool to help remember what happened recently. Take notes on important phone conversations and meetings, or even just memories of your day that you'll want to recall later.

Ask for Help

• Sometimes a person with short-term memory loss has trouble remembering names or how to perform certain tasks. It's okay to ask people their names, even if you know you've met them before. Ask a friend to help you remember who people are, or to help you out with tasks that seem too overwhelming or difficult to remember. Friends and family can also help remind you of details on your schedule.

Set a Timer

• Sometimes short-term memory loss become apparent when a person doesn't remember the time for commitments they have made. A simple method for remembering is to set an alarm to jog your memory so you know it's time to get dressed or leave for an appointment. If needed, you can also write down the reason for the reminder and place it next to the alarm so you'll know why it's going off.