Memory & Concentration

[cardiffsteve]

May have asked this before, cant remember!

What can i do to improve my memory and concentration?
I've tried making notes and lists but seem to have the attention span of a gnat at the mo!

I think part of problem is medication but surely there must be a way to counteract this.

All comments gratefully received (that might open up a few I dont want )

Steve

[oldie]

Many years ago I read a book "The secret of developing a super power memory" . . . . . . . I've forgotten it.

[veggiechicken]

CS, I'm just the same but I don't have to work, or do anything public where my lack of attention would be obvious.
This looked like a good, simple technique and I might try it myself when I'm daydreaming and not doing anything useful with my time. Concentration — University Counselling Service

[The Large One]

Red bull (other stimulation drinks are available)

gives you enough buzz to get the things your listing done without having to list them in the firts place...IYSWIM...LOL

failing that get a missus who constantly texts you to remind you about the things you could forget if you had the chance to forget them

[di]

Apparently, doing crosswords and other thinking puzzles on a daily basis helps.....it's yet to work for me though

[cardiffsteve]

The only problem with energy drinks is that if I have even one I cant sleep. Its the same if I have more than 3 cups of tea or coffee. That makes m feel worse!

[Aberdeenplotter]

Hi CS, First of all have a chat with your Doctor matey. He may be able to change your medication to something that doesn't have the unfortunate side effects. I'm sure you said in a previous post you have a disability of some sort (please don't feel the need to say what that is if my recollection is correct) and accordingly it may be difficult to be physically active but I know if I'm a bit lethargic, a bit of exercise can help me get the brain cells jumping again. Again, I think you have now started a work placement ? You may find that although this in itself is tiring, the mental stimulation of the new work environment gets your brain cells buzzing again.

[rustylady]

Agree with ABP, if you think it's your medication making things worse then a chat with your doctor could be helpful. My memory is dreadful at the moment, but I'm putting it down to my age and the fact that now I no longer work I don't have a routine as such. I know I should have a routine, but find it very hard to get motivated, specially at this time of the year. Short days and low light levels don't do me any good, I'm afraid.

[Ananke]

Grow lemon balm apparently it's good for memory. I've made fresh leaf tea with it but according to this study it has to be ingested dried leaves.

Lemon balm can help memory | Mail Online
BBC NEWS | Health | Lemon balm 'boosts memory'

[cardiffsteve]

Its taken me a long time to get what feels like the right medication.
I have tried lots over the past 3/4 years.
Maybe I will talk to doctor though see if there is anything he/she can suggest.

[Two_Sheds]

My memory is shot too, and because of my amitriptyline/co-codamol 'habit' my brain is fuzzy for 2-3 hrs after I wake up. Can't do much of anything first thing.

I have to make lists and reminders for EVERYTHING, on my phone. The beeping (up to 6 times a day) drives Himself nuts.
I can remember stoopid things (mostly about plants) but not important useful stuff.

[vicky]

Sage is supposed to be good for the memory, recommeded to try a drink of it for a month and see if you can notice a difference. Or if you can remember to look for a change....

[Jeanied]

My head is like a sieve since I stopped working - in fact I can't believe I held down such a responsible full time job! However there are sometimes flashes of my old self!
Having a diary helps - jot down your quick reminders, moods, ideas, anything you need to hold on to, to try and make sense of what you are experiencing. I am having to check on my energy levels and whether I eat healthily or not. Also I find being out and about in the workplace as a volunteer a real shot in the arm! (Maybe because 8 year olds are such amazing beings )

[cardiffsteve]

My memory is shot too, and because of my amitriptyline/co-codamol 'habit' my brain is fuzzy for 2-3 hrs after I wake up. Can't do much of anything first thing.

I have to make lists and reminders for EVERYTHING, on my phone. The beeping (up to 6 times a day) drives Himself nuts.
I can remember stoopid things (mostly about plants) but not important useful stuff.

Plants are very important.
Where would we be without them?

[cardiffsteve]

Grow lemon balm apparently it's good for memory. I've made fresh leaf tea with it but according to this study it has to be ingested dried leaves.

Lemon balm can help memory | Mail Online
BBC NEWS | Health | Lemon balm 'boosts memory'

Someone else mentioned lemon balm recently, but cant remember who!
(and thats not a joke)