Short term memory retraining

[Tuesando]

My husband was struck down with an autoimmune encephalitis in June. He is home now and recovering. His short term memory is the biggest problem for him now. The NHS is taking very good care of us but can anybody recommend any additional private help to train his short term memory? He uses the photo diary app called Day One which is really helping him but he feels devastated every time arises he has forgotten what happened yesterday.

[EncephInternational Partner]

Welcome to the community Tuesando, and thank you for sharing some of your and your husband's story with us. We are so sorry to hear of your husband's AE in June and problems with his short term memory since.

We have this guide to managing memory problems after encephalitis with some really useful practical tips to help (in particular the section on errorless learning): encephalitis.info/managing-.... This factsheet on managing fatigue after encephalitis may also be of interest to you and your husband, as we find that fatigue can play a big role in the presentation of other outcomes, such as memory, especially so early in recovery: encephalitis.info/managing-....

If you drop [e-mail] a line (or you can call us on 01653699599) about private support for memory they can advise on what options are available/accessible according to where you're based in the country.

We are here for you both.

[Tuesando in reply to EncephInternational]

Thanks that is really helpful.

[Paula-38]

Hi Tuesando, I know I can't empathize but I totally understand how difficult it is for your poor husband. Does he like crosswords, wordsearches etc, educating himself, I believe that these dort of things are good for brain training, maybe he could write things down what he has done earlier, and also a daily list of what happened then refer to it later on i.e keep a diary and use a calendar, plus reminders on his phone for different things. Hope this helps.

[Tuesando in reply to Paula-38]

Thanks Paula. We have found a really good photo diary app called Day One. That helps him a lot. He is a designer so I need to find something visual for him.

[Paula-38 in reply to Tuesando]

Maybe try making pictures and put them up round the house, and/or show him any ohotos you might have, I will try to think' if I can'.

[TyrionLannis]

Hi Tuesando, my wife was only diagnosed yesterday. its been a very scary and traumatic time the last 4 weeks. but im praying she can come home soon. And i will take note of your app suggestion if she has memory problems. Strength to you and your family. We are in the Netherlands.

[Tuesando]

Dear Tyrion, my husband was hit in late June so I very freshly share your feeling of being overwhelmed. Courage and take advantage of en Encephalitis Society’s helpline. They gave me great comfort as to what I should expect right at the beginning. I hope the very best for your wife - and for you. Don’t forget to reach out.

[Archer6]

Hi Tuesando, I was diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis in October 2018. I also had severe problems with short term memory, but recovery over time has helped. My family tells me my memory has improved tremendously from when I diagnosed. Treatment and time will help. It is so frustrating and discouraging to not remember things and to have to keep asking the same questions again and again. When people complained about me asking so many questions, I would shut down and not want to talk at all. That just made me feel lonelier.

I have an iPad with some apps that helped. They didn't help me memorize things better, but just tracked my progress during my recovery. At the beginning my scores were way below average, but i continued doing the activities every day and the apps showed that I was improving. Seeing new high scores boosted my spirits and gave me hope that I would fully recover. One of the most useful apps is "Peak - Brain Training" that has a specific measurement for short term memory. I was thrilled when I progressed enough to rank higher than average for my age group. It took a while, but it was so helpful to see small but steady improvement on the app as the days went by. Hope this helps.

[alpappy]

I have the same after three years it is not much better with lapses every so often I have been told I can try mild dose of anti epileptic medication Not sure what to do

[alpappy]

I am the same after three years but it comes and goes have been told that low dose anti epileptic may help... Will see only if it gets worse

[MasterBaker]

Hello Tuesday.Unfortunately, nobody can say when, or even if his memory will return to normal. However, as a sufferer for 40 years I can share some of my methods. When I forget a word I explain what it is out loud. Usually it prompts me to remember the word, or whomever I'm speaking to will say what it is. Also, there are some fabulous online games that I play on a daily basis. I play scrabble, sudoku and math games. Also, when I joined this group Jon was kind enough to send me cards that I can use to explain to people that I may need some help. It may be helpful for your husband to use these cards. I've used mine twice this week and found the reaction to be very positive, people can be very kind.

I know he won't want to be patient as it's such a huge change for him. It's also going to be frustrating for him, as every day is likely to be the same, so there's nothing that stands out to him. I remember things that stick out as different or strange, so if you can, make each day different for only one reason. You might stay in bed longer, or have a different breakfast, just a small change to your routine will prompt his memory to work. I can't be sure that this is 100% the answer, but it might be worth a go. I hope that helps xxx

[Tuesando in reply to MasterBaker]

These are good suggestions. Especially habits that tell the days apart.

[alpappy]

I had the same After two years it does get better Good quality sleep helps I use my phone as a diary too I can remember things from my childhood so its only recent and short term memory