Coping with memory difficulties

• Plan ahead – Mentally go through what you will be doing and what you are likely to need, write it down, then put everything you need somewhere that you can’t miss it, like by the front door.
• Make lists – Keep
  a shopping list on a notebook in the kitchen or on your phone, some supermarkets have apps which have a shopping list function. Add items when you run out and tick them off when you go shopping. You could also consider online shopping – supermarkets produce a list of your favourites and recently bought items to prompt you.
  
• Develop a set routine – Having a regular routine can help you to remember what is going to happen throughout the day. Make sure you include time to rest and plan some variety, so you don’t get bored.

• Mobile phones – your mobile phone can be used in many ways to help with memory. You can use the calendar and alarm to remind you about events and appointments. Take photos of what you are doing in the day to look back on or add photos to your contacts to help you remember people. Use websites, such as Googlemaps, if you are getting lost in familiar places. You can add “in case of emergency” or “ICE” after a contact, so that someone can find an important contact, even if you can’t.
• Apps and memory games – you can download apps for relaxation exercises and other techniques that
  can help reduce stress, and so help with memory. There are many apps and online games that claim to test, train and
  improve your memory. However, there is
  no real evidence that playing memory games improves memory. You may get better
  at the game, but this does not mean the benefits last or transfer over to real
  life. There is some evidence that keeping your brain active may help to slow
  down deterioration of your memory, but there are many ways of doing this. So the
  games may help with this, but it is the mental activity rather than the games
  themselves, that is having the effect.
  
• Keep a diary – if you prefer written reminders, a diary is a good way to keep track of your plans.
• Medication organisers or pill boxes – if you are taking prescription medications, you may wish to buy a medication organiser or pill box to help you track what you have to take and when. These are available from most pharmacies.
• Locator devices – these are small
  electronic tags that can be attached to things, such as your keys or
  wallet. If you can’t remember where you
  have left them, you press a button on a ‘locator device’ and the tag will beep. (You will need to keep the locator device in a regular, obvious place!)

Taking care of yourself can affect how well you function mentally:

• Exercise – exercise
  has been shown to help memory and thinking by affecting chemicals and blood flow in the brain, and by improving mood and sleep, and reducing stress and anxiety. Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes, five times a week – anything that gets the heart pumping or makes you break out in a slight sweat. You can try brisk walks, swimming, cycling, dancing or tai chi, even doing the housework or the gardening!
• Diet – eat
  regular, balanced meals, and try to include your 5-a-day of fruit and vegetables. Taking time to eat your meals can also help give regular breaks in the day and time to recover mentally. Try
  to drink at least 2 litres of fluid a day, and drink alcohol in moderation. If possible, give up smoking.
  Read more about diet.
• Rest and sleep – Take
  plenty of breaks and rest throughout the day or even whilst doing tasks. People with brain tumours often feel fatigued
  for a variety of reasons and being tired can affect your ability to memorise or remember things. Likewise, get a good amount of sleep (6-8 hours) to help with this.
  
• Keep you brain active – Keeping
  your brain active may help you keep your memory skills for longer. There are
  many ways to do this including reading, watching or listening to the news, doing puzzles/jigsaws or games, learning a new hobby. Try to do a variety of things so all your senses are used.
• Stay socially active – Research
  has shown that staying socially active is one of the best ways to help maintain
  your memory skills. It
  can be difficult, as you may have lost confidence, but having good friends,
  volunteering for charities and other forms of social engagement seem to protect
  memory. Read our tips on taking care of your mental health and overcoming isolation.
• Relaxation – Stress
  and worry can make it more difficult to learn or remember things. Finding that
  you are having difficulties with your memory can then increase the stress and
  worry. Learning to relax can help to
  break this vicious cycle. There
  are many different relaxation techniques, such as