Keeping physically active and mentally stimulated is very important when living with both Parkinson’s and cognitive problems, as is avoiding stress. Anything that puts you under pressure is likely to worsen memory so try to take each day at a steady pace, allowing time for rest and relaxation and making time to do the things you enjoy. We can all be forgetful and whilst this is often frustrating, a good quality of life can still be enjoyed by making some adaptations.
To begin with, adapting your home and work environments to accommodate your needs can be of enormous help. Removing clutter, for example, will reduce the number of visual distractions and make it easier for you to find your way around. Keeping furniture in the same place and having a regular daily routine might also be helpful. At night-time, you may find it useful to keep a low level night-light on to minimise any possible disorientation if you wake during the night.
As time passes, carrying out more complex tasks is likely to become harder. Try writing down the various steps you have to go through in order to complete specific tasks, and follow these steps one by one.
Other tips, which may both help maintain brain function and improve quality of life, are:
- carry a notebook to record important information
- keep a diary
- do simple arithmetic or crosswords
- keep a clock in each room and tell the time yourself rather than asking someone else
- try to keep to the same basic routine each day
- put important items such as keys and glasses in the same place each time
- use sticky ‘post-it’ notes to remind yourself to turn off lights or lock doors etc
- use pill dispensers and timers to manage your medications
- keep socially active
- don’t give things up easily if you find concentration difficult - remember the adage ‘use it or lose it’ and accept that you may take longer or need breaks during activities
- try to find hobby or a project you can commit to - painting, photography, researching local or family history, for example
- have a regular routine and keep organised, using cues as reminders
- use memory aids such as large-print calendars and newspapers, clocks, alarms and easy to follow lists on display on a pin-board or white-board
- label boxes or cupboards clearly
