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Consequences of Stroke: Coping with Cognitive Issues

Coping with cognitives issue after stroke

Difficulties with cognition may happen after a stroke. It can negatively impact your daily routines, the way you think and make decision. Although it may seem challenging, there are ways to help you improve and cope with your cognitive difficulties.

What can I do to improve my memory?

Mental exercises may aid in rebuilding mental awareness and focus. Here are some activities you can give your brain a workout.

What can I do to cope with cognitive difficulties?

Be patient with yourself and allow yourself more time to get things done.
Make things easier for yourself by doing one thing at a time.
Write things down in a diary or reminder aid to help you remember things.
Try to keep things in the same place to stop you from losing them.
Remove surrounding distractions.
Being active provides opportunity to improve cognition.
Plan your activities with breaks in between.
Ensure that you get enough rest. Being overly tired can contribute to poor concentration.
Find ways to relax and calm your mind. Some people may like listening to music or practise meditation.
Find out about community resources for support such as Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA) or Stroke Support Station (S3).

How can I help as a carer or family?

Be patient. Allow stroke survivor to do things at their own pace.
Avoid making things too complicated as the stroke survivor may find it difficult to concentrate or remember things. Try to break tasks down into individual steps.
Give simple instructions, one at a time.
Be encouraging by practising together.
Avoid doing everything for your family member.
Seek early help from healthcare professionals if you think your family member may have some cognitive problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does having cognitive problems mean I have dementia?

A: A stroke survivor may have cognitive difficulties but that does not necessarily mean the person has dementia. A stroke survivor would only be considered as having dementia if his/her cognitive difficulties are severe enough to impair their ability to independently do daily activities of living such as handle finances, travel from one place to another, etc. As a result, they now no longer perform these activities or require assistance from others to do these activities because of their cognitive difficulties.

Q: Does being cognitively impaired mean I do not have mental capacity to make decision about my personal welfare?

A: A stroke survivor who has cognitive difficulties may still have mental capacity. However, if he/she is not able to maintain their financial responsibilities or make decisions about their personal welfare, he/she may no
longer have mental capacity.

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that allows a person who is 21 years of age or older (donor), and who has mental capacity, to voluntarily appoint one or more person (donee(s)), to make decisions and act on his behalf for his personal welfare, property and affairs matters or both matters when he lacks mental capacity in the future.

An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that a person sign in advance to inform the doctor that he does not want the use of any life-sustaining treatment to prolong his life in the event he becomes terminally ill or unconscious.