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Management and rehabilitation of memory problems
Authors:
Wilson, B.A.
Reference:
In: D. Herrmann, C. McEvoy, C. Hertzog, P. Hertel & M. Johnson (eds) Basic and Applied Memory Research: Theory in Context Volume 1 Mahwah, N.J.: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, pp. 277-293
Year of publication:
1996
CBU number:
3398
Abstract:
The fact that we cannot restore memory functioning should not deter us from pursuing the means of improving patients' well-being. Memory impaired people and their families need therapy that will enable them to understand and cope with difficulties arising during adjustment to everyday life. Although the general guidelines and specific strategies offered in this chapter do not provide a cure, they may reduce, to some extent, some of the problems faced by memory impaired people. Success may come from such strategies as by-passing difficulties through environmental restructuring; using alternative ways of remembering through external aids; using residual skills more efficiently through mnemonics and rehearsal techniques; and improving the emotional well-being of the patients and carers through the provision of information, explanations about the nature of memory deficits, relaxation exercises to reduce anxiety, and role playing to teach people how to explain their memory problems to people with whom they interact.
