Understanding Short Term Memory

One of the remarkable things about being a caregiver is the understanding that you are not alone in your journey.  Others have tread before you and others will follow: each not realizing that the paths they set foot on are quite similar.

I watched another caregiver describe how frustrating it was to see their spouse undergo cognition testing for dementia the other day.  As I felt the tears sting my own eyes watching her tears fall, I realized that it wasn’t the event, but the accepting of the change that was truly affecting her.  No matter what she tried or how she advocated for her care recipient - change was coming and it was frightening.  Others in the room could emphasize, but she alone stood silently in her fear – clinging to her hope that the outcome would be different than the doctor’s prognosis.

As a community educator, I believe that it is important to share stories and accompany others on transformational journeys.  Perhaps the first step in understanding how short term memory affects our loved one is by testing our own powers of recall.  Look at the sequence of 17 numbers below for 60 seconds and then cover it and write down as many as you can.  Work quickly and make sure that you accurately put them in order – Ready? GO!

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How many did you get right? Ok, let’s try this from another angle.  Read the following story carefully aloud for 30 seconds gliding your finger along the text and tapping each time you see a set of numbers printed.  Then repeat for a second time before covering up the story and writing down the sequence again.

7 years ago, in 2002, I took my 3 children to Disneyland.  It was a very warm 86 degrees out and by 11:45am we were ready to stop for lunch and a cold drink.  I ordered the number 3 Cobb salad, with lemon water and my kids split the number 14 peperoni pizza.  We had a great time that afternoon and I always remember the day fondly.  The funniest part is when Mickey stopped by our table and my youngest laughed so hard that chocolate milk shot out his 2 nostrils while a roving photographer snapped our picture.  To this day, this 1 picture still greets us whenever we open the refrigerator door.

How well did you fare this time?  Probably better because you were able to connect the number sequence with the story line.  Short term memory is just that – fleeting.  Information goes in and within 10 seconds it goes out unless you utilize your brain’s sequencing structure to adhere it to longer term memory formatting.  By incorporating visual, verbal, and physical learning techniques it becomes much easier to grasp the concept and recall it upon cue.

Care recipients who have compromised short term memory difficulties, whether from injury or illness, may not be able to connect dots as easily as you’ve done in this last exercise.

So the next time your care recipient asks you, “What day is it?” for the fifth time that morning, remember how difficult it was to pull together those first 17 numbers without a frame of reference.  Instead of allowing yourself to feel fear, frustration and anxiety as you again say, “It’s Sunday, remember???” try empowering your care recipient to connect with the world around them in a whole new way and saving your sanity at the same time.

“It’s Sunday and it’s raining outside, lets zip up your sweater.”

“It’s Sunday and we’re having pancakes for breakfast.”

“It’s Sunday and I’ve opened up the first tab on your weekly pill box.”

“It’s Sunday and the paper is on the doorstep.”

“It’s Sunday and I’m happy to share the day with you.”

Caregiving is honorable…and difficult…and there are many people to help you along your journey. You don’t have to go it alone. Reach out today to your nearest senior resource center. You'd be surprised at just how many people can and will help you out.