Memory and Traumatic Brain Injury

This is a podcast-brief from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center.

SFX: *ring* *ring*

Mr. Smith: Hello.

Rachel: Mr. Smith, this is Rachel from Dr. Wilson’s office. I’m calling because you missed your appointment yesterday.

Mr. Smith: I did!? I totally forgot about it. Can I reschedule?

Remembering to do things in the future - such as keeping appointments or calling someone back when you’ve promised to do so – it’s an example of how traumatic brain injury can impact memory. And any problem with memory can have real-life consequences.

Rachel: Yes. Our next opening is in 3 months.

Mr. Smith: 3 months!? But I need to get my medications renewed before then!

So what kind of memory is affected by traumatic brain injury? And what can be done to help? The answers are in Memory and Moderate to Severe Traumatic Brain Injury, a factsheet from the Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center. This factsheet explains how brain injury can affect long-term memory, short-term memory, and prospective memory. The factsheet also offers effective strategies to help work around memory difficulties and still get things done.

Visit msktc.org/tbi, and get the answers you need from experts who conduct innovative and high-quality research, provide patient care, and work to improve the health and overall quality of life for people with traumatic brain injury. That’s msktc.org/tbi.