Contents

This tool kit is a comprehensive resource of information to help individuals, families and caregivers understand and cope with changes in memory due to a brain injury, brain disorder, illness or aging.  Not only do the authors explain what memory is and how it works, but the various types of memory are described.  Research findings and scientific knowledge are presented in user friendly language that users will readily understand and be able to apply to their daily lives.  These products are filled with practical strategies, checklists, exercises and suggestions.
 
Items include:

• Self-help book: The Memory Doctor
• Manual: The Memory Workbook
• Organizer: Survival Kit
• 10 Tip Cards: Memory after Brain Injury


The Memory Doctor
By Doug Mason and Spencer Xavier smith ~ 2005
We all know what it’s like to have trouble finding our keys in the morning, remembering why we went upstairs, or recalling the names of people we have just met.  Memory is very complex.   Dr. Doug Mason clearly explains how memory works and the different types of memory that we use everyday.  How we remember things is a process.  By helping you understand and pay more attention to the steps of this process, you can improve your memory by using specific techniques.

• Get inside your head and see how your memory really works
• Target specific areas of memory that you can improve
• Experiment with fun, simple techniques to accomplish your memory-enhancing goals
• Find out which supplements can help improve memory - and which do nothing at all
• Learn about exciting new developments in memory research

The Memory Workbook
Breakthrough techniques to exercise your brain and improve your memory
By Douglas Mason, PsyD and Michael Kohn, PsyD ~ 2001

This book provides an array of innovative techniques, exercises, games, and puzzles that will help you see and understand how your memory works at the same time that you are stretching your memory muscles. Learn how to maximize the receptiveness of your senses, focus on what is important to you, rehearse and imprint information you want to save, and use visual and sensory imagery to deepen your memory experience. The authors also incorporate the latest scientific findings on memory functioning, providing a wealth of information about medications, memory disorders, and resources for additional help.

Please note that this workbook is not intended for someone with severe memory impairments due to a traumatic brain injury.  However, persons with mild difficulties with memory due to aging, a brain injury or other brain disorders will find lots of practical information and useful exercises.  Families may especially find this workbook helpful to understand the complexity of memory.  Families and affected individuals can work together on many of the exercises, activities and puzzles.

Survival Kit
A planner and organizer for survivors of brain injury and their families
By Debbie Leonhardt ~ 2002
 
In a matter of a few seconds, many areas of my life changed radically due to a traumatic brain injury several years ago....This Survival Kit shares techniques and strategies that I have found helpful in adapting to the changes I have experienced.

This 212 page kit was designed for persons with brain injuries or other disorders affecting memory, planning and organizational skills. It can be used independently by individuals, with assistance from families or caregivers, or as part of a rehabilitation treatment program.

The flexible format encourages users to select sections and strategies most useful for their situation and stage of recovery. The eight sections include:

• schedules and calendars
• treatment tasks and goals
• journals and logs
• * personal/household information
• daily living checklists
• survival strategies
• visual reminders
• sample forms
All charts, checklists and organizers have been designed to be user friendly. There are samples with written information that show how to use items.

Memory
After Brain Injury
By McKay Moore Sohlberg~ 2007

This tip card explains the basics of how memory works and why it may be affected by a brain injury.  It will help families, individuals, clinicians and therapists understand the different types of memory by clear definitions and examples of how each type of memory is used in everyday life.  A section on myths and facts about memory addresses the most common misinformation about memory.

There are tips for survivors, caregivers, therapists and families that show how to use strategies for managing memory problems at home and in the community. Ten tip cards are included in the Memory Tool Kit.