Frontal Lobe Brain Injuries and Short-Term Memory Loss

Short-term memory loss is almost always a result of frontal lobe brain injuries. Shortly after the injury has happened, the short-term memory loss can be so severe that the memory of visitors will last only until shortly after the visitor has left, and memories of what has last been eaten will be irretrievable.

This type of memory loss affects areas you may not have thought of. In my partner's case, he no longer will watch television other than the news. Because of his short-term memory loss, he is unable to follow the necessary sequences of a program or movie to be able to understand what is happening. He also no longer plays games with the family as he used to do. He also, until very recently, avoided socializing because it was difficult to interact in conversations when thoughts from the beginning of a conversation were lost by the end of it. It made continuation and inclusion in a conversation very stressful. He has improved in this area when in the company of people he knows well.

The more usual short-term memory difficulties are remembering appointments. Using a daytimer, calendar or making a list are some of the ways this problem can be solved. The additional problem, however, is to remember to use it. Another example is when something has been mentioned the previous day and cannot be remembered the following day.

My partner plays the game of pretending to remember. He'll say, "Oh, right, I remember." He will continue to play the game even when I have told him something that I had not mentioned previously and he 'lets on' that I had already told him by preteding to 'remember'.

There are many exercises that can help the memory. One is to have him/her look at a picture for 60 seconds to begin with and then ask them to remember as many things as they can about the picture. As their memory improves, shorten the time. And when they have met that challenge, change the picture.

Another memory exercise is to write down a list of twelve items. Let him/her look at the list for three minutes and then ask them to write down as many of the items as they can remember. As they improve and are able to remember more items, have them do it in less time. Eventually change the list and do it again.

Short-term memory loss can be very upsetting but over time and with practising memory exercises, it can improve.