A good memory trick is to say the things you are trying to remember. I have very little visual memory. If I come to a stop sign with uncontrolled traffic crossing, I will look to the left and see the cars, look to the right and see the cars. Now, I have already forgotten what was on my left.

I overcome this by, when I look to the left, once it is clear, I will repeat to myself, "Clear on the left" as I turn to look to the right. I can combine the audio memory of the left with the visual memory of the right and make a safe decision.

If you need to go get something, say " Get my purse and cell phone from the car." Changing the 'in your mind only' idea to a verbal idea can be a big help.

I also need to not hide things too much. I will have no idea where I put them. I keep my cell phone on a lanyard around my neck.

My wife sent me a picture in an email of a desk plaque that says, "Please don't clean up my mess. You'll confuse me and screw up my world."

She commented, Sound like someone we know, )

I also will look around a room saying the names of things I see in my head to spur my brain into finding a lost word I need to say. Think of it as shuffling the cards to see if you can find the card you want if it is in a different order.

Speech therapists teach some memory coping skills. I learned my on my own.