Post Stroke: Addressing Thinking and Memory Problems

A STROKE can disrupt your ability to think clearly and can cause problems with your memory, attention, and organizational abilities.

Both speech and occupational therapists work with people to improve these areas and to develop strategies to compensate for problems— for example, using cue cards and detailed lists or simplifying daily routines.

Coping with spatial neglect

One fairly common effect of stroke is called “neglect.”  This is a lack of awareness of one side of the body and the space around that side of the body.  

The left side is more commonly affected than the right. If you have neglect, you may bump into things on your left without noticing them, shave or apply makeup only on the right side of your face, or eat food on only the right side of your plate.

If you have this problem, occupational and speech therapists will cue you to look frequently