Birthday ideas.

[fred59]

Does anyone have any ideas for a useful brain training birthday present for someone with memory issues?

[bikerlifestyle]

maybe a nintendo DS with some brain training games

goo.gl/bmH3G

or if they have a smartphone you can get brain training apps

do they have a hobby?

maybe something that will help them advance that hobby and make them learn

[iforget]

It really depends on the extent of the memory issues. I find it almost impossible to learn new systems so unless it was familiar to me it would cause me untold stress and frustration would probably end up unused (or worse still, thrown against the wall) . Another point to consider has the recipient suggested they want this kind of gift? Personally I should hate it...I prefer something that does not refer to my brain injury ...my birthday is one day I would like not to be reminded of it.

Sorry that probably isn't the helpful reply you were hoping for...

[fred59]

Thank you both for your comments. He has said that he would like some way to help him exercise his mind, but when I show him the brain training apps he doesnt have enough concentration to look at them for long. Maybe a little each day is the answer.

I can understand why this maybe wouldn't be a welcome gift, particularly on your birthday, so maybe I will have a rethink!

[iforget in reply to fred59]

I have severe short term memory issues (zero short term memory that you'd notice) and I posses the concentration and attention span of a dead goldfish (haha!!) and while I too wanted something to coax my brain back into former good habits, my cognitive issues confounded us at every step...what we did find was simple card games and old favourites like board games were useful...as was gentle conversation and the simple puzzle books that I could pick up and put down again after a short while...because although I wanted to 'train my brain' it was absolutely exhausting.

[Kirk5w7]

I find doing jigsaws helps with hand eye coordination as well, I had to start with very basic kids jigsaws but I have progressed onto 1,000 piece wasgij's now, they don't have a picture to follow, so are more difficult, just a suggestion cos not everyone likes them.

[fred59]

Decided to go for the usual stuff ...clothes, cycling mags etc! Plus a few puzzle books. He does like jigsaws so might get that as well. Thanks for the help.

[SandraEB]

Late with a reply but what about a digital photo frame? You can upload photos from past events and see if it helps trigger memories of places, names etc x