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Stroke can affect memory and thinking and the ability to:
- Concentrate on conversation, reading and watching TV
- Focus on more than one thing at a time
- Process information
- Recall recent or distant memories
- Start, plan and organise a task
- Keep track of the situation or own behaviour (self-monitoring)
- Interpret, understand and adapt to the environment.
Strategies to help memory and concentration
- Write things down – use or a calendar or diary to keep track of appointments
- Write a to do list as a reminder
- Do one thing at a time
- Reduce distractions – turn off the TV
- Visual prompts – have medication where you can see it
- Routine- with tasks such as getting washed and dressed. Taking medication at the same time each day, such as at breakfast.
Fatigue after stroke
Fatigue can be physical, cognitive and emotional. Stroke survivors are encouraged to plan, pace and prioritise.
Fatigue is very common following a stroke. Many people find their first days home challenging due to lack of sleep-in hospital.
Many people need to sleep during the day in short bursts initially to support with their fatigue.
- Regular breaks are recommended to manage fatigue.
- A good sleep pattern is also encouraged.
- Regular breaks and planning tasks ahead can support with this in order to achieve what you want to achieve.
Many people feel as though they are less productive due to their fatigue. Let friends and family know how you are feeling so they can understand and support.
More resources
You can also contact your local community stroke team.
You can visit the Stroke Association for following a stroke or Headway on .