memory loss due to stroke
 

I have been trying to find info on the web, hope this site can give me a few answers. My sister (age 50) had a stroke last oct due to a blocked artery in the back of her neck, which they cant do surgery on due to the vein is too long, so she is on blood thinners and doing well in that aspect. The problem is her short term memory has been affected. She used to be a very busy person, even had to check her book if we wanted to plan something together. Today she cant work (she was a bookkeeper) and is home alone most of the time. Her friends has stopped coming by regularly. She is so depressed and lonely. I live on the east coast and she lives on west coast. Does anyone know if there is anything to help get the short term memory better? Or is she doomed to live this depressed life? She cries all the time and I dont know how to help or console her!!

Hello snevin13, and welcome to NeuroTalk.

As a person with MS, I find loss of short term memory to be the most bother-some symptom that I have to endure at the moment.

There's lots of information about the topic on the Internet, but have look at this link. Although this is from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, I'm sure you find the information relevant to your sister's needs.

http://www.nationalmssociety.org/liv...ory/index.aspx

Good luck. I hope you find what you're looking for.

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/i...welcome5kp.gif

Try an evaluation with a speech pathologist. Many specialize in cognitive re-training, including the various types of memory losses that can occur following a CVA. They also teach compensations to aid in dealing with everyday occurrences. Your sister should have a pretty good prognosis, considering her young age and time elapsed since the stroke. However, it also depends on the locationand severity of damage.
You can locate theses specialists in hospital outpatient clinics, private practice, or just go online. *edit* Good luck.

Memory
 

Hi,
I'm now 49; having had a stroke and being this age, (The whole perimenopause thing.) have seemingly had a field day with my memory. I can relate to being alone most of the time also, and friends not being available any longer.
I have to leave sticky notes all over the house for myself, I bought a plastic-magnetic board for the fridge to write stuff on, and I'm constantly using the timer on the stove for various things.
I can't drive anymore, and living as rurally as I do makes getting rides difficult; does she drive? If she can get to a stroke support group, they're VERY good for the osyche.
I'm afraid depression can be a part of this entire stroke journey. I'm 13+ years out now, and. (For me) I just started on another antidepressant; the combination of two are great - FINALLY!!
I would suggest her seeing a neuro-psychiatrist for an evaluation
Something that's helped me feel more secure when I'm alone, is a medical alert system. Since I came home from rehab I've had one, and it does bring me a degree of comfort; if something happens, maybe a fall - whatever - I just push a button that hangs around my neck, and I'm connected to someone who can notify police,fire or ambulance if I need them. It work from all over the house, and they're reasonably priced too.

I hope some of this helps.
Take care,
suse :hug: