“Oops, I can’t remember.” This kind of situation can happen to anyone. But forgetfulness (or memory problems) is more common after a brain injury. Fortunately, there are several types of memory.
Sometimes only one subtype of memory can be affected, but not the others. Notably, there are:
- memory for old memories
- short-term memory and working memory
- the memory of new information in the long term
- memory for the future
Memory for old memories
This is called “retrograde memory” and it includes all the memories acquired from childhood until the brain injury. Sometimes this type of memory is preserved despite the brain injury. Depending on the situation, recent memories (those of the few days, weeks or months before the injury) may be less clear or completely absent. In the most severe cases, the gaps may go back several years. To help you reconstruct these memories or fill in some of the gaps, you can ask your loved ones to tell you about you, if possible with the help of photos.
Short-term memory and working memory
This is information that is normally stored for a short period of time, such as during a conversation (remembering what you just said to someone or what the person just told you). This type of forgetfulness is more common, especially in the first few weeks after the brain injury. This memory is closely linked to our ability to concentrate and maintain our attention.
Long-term memory of new information
Not very old, not very recent, this memory (called “anterograde”) is the ability to retain new information. It allows us to remember what we did the previous day, what people have told us, or what we have read. It is this memory that allows us to retain information that needs to be kept for more than a few minutes in order to be able to live in society and work. The intensity of the difficulties related to this type of memory can vary greatly (from very mild to very severe). The implementation of so-called “compensation” strategies, such as taking notes and reading them again, visualizing the information (imagery technique) or creating links between the information, can help you to function satisfactorily with your family or colleagues.
Memory for the future
This is called “prospective” memory. It allows us to keep in mind what we need to do. Unfortunately, it is very sensitive to distractions. Most of the time, repeating the information to ourselves (or periodically recalling it) allows us to keep it in mind. However, due to other demands or stress, the trace of this memory may dissolve quite quickly. And when it comes back, it is sometimes too late. Keeping a calendar, even if you were not used to it before (in the form of a paper calendar or on your mobile phone, tablet or computer) is often a suitable solution. Adding alarms can sometimes be useful, or even necessary. It is not easy to change your habits, but this simple trick has proven its worth.
For each type of memory, different ways of compensating
For each subtype of memory, there are different ways to compensate. Some people are able to put in place strategies fairly quickly, either on their own, or following advice from close people or in the context of therapies followed in neurorehabilitation.