Hello EnableMe member

In this edition of the EnableMe newsletter we're looking at loss of memory after stroke.

Many different parts of your brain are involved in the different types of memory and damage to any of these areas may have an impact on recall. Although every stroke is different, it is very common for your short-term memory to be affected. Understanding how memory works is the first step to using simple techniques to potentially improving your memory.

StrokeLine (1800 787 653) will be looking at how we make memories, EnableMe member Jan shares her experience with Monash Memory Rehabilitation Research program and Priya shares an app to help with medicine adherence.

Belinda from the EnableMe help desk shows you how to bookmark conversations so that you can find them easily again and how to follow topics you like.

All this and more - happy reading!

For our next podcast, we're tackling memory loss after stroke. This is surprisingly common and can affect not only your daily life but also the rest of your recovery.

We'll talk to researchers, stroke survivors and health professionals about what can be done to improve your memory. What would you like to know about memory and stroke?

Please use the form to ask your question and we'll see if our experts can answer it. The podcast will be available in August, so if you need an answer sooner please call StrokeLine on 1800 787 653, email strokeline@strokefoundation.org.au or go to Ask a health professional.

Forums:

• Adam: Stroke and Dyslexia
• Ksilvia: Constraint induced movement therapy
• Marcus: How to explain what is feels like after your stroke to others?
• Josnjos: PFO Closure - Surgery Recovery

For all conversations click here

Blogs:

• Sarah: Connecting with young survivors!
• Kathy: Coping as a parent after young daughter had stroke
• Paul Fink: Why did the chicken cross the road?

For all blogs click here

Ask a question:

• Emily: Is it common to wake up with a numb arm?
• DavidLuxton: Does anyone ever actually overcome spasticity?
• Thea: Do blood pressure tablets result in a stroke affected leg retaining more fluid?

Click here for questions asked by your fellow community members. Perhaps you can contribute some of your own experiences, learn something new or ask a question?

With so much great content on EnableMe, how do you keep track of what interests you the most?

Are there topics that are particularly relevant to you?

Have you found a resource or post that you want to come back to later?

EnableMe has features that allow you to follow the topics most interesting to you, and to bookmark content so that you can easily find it later. 

With our next podcast focusing on memory difficulties after stroke, we thought we’d start with exploring how memory works.

The hippocampus is the key part of the brain  responsible for memory. The hippocampus creates memories and then directs the brain where to file them. It’s like a gateway through which new memories must pass before being stored

Click here for more.

I would like to say the opportunity Monash has given me is marvellous, I am so much more confident. I have changed my diet, lifestyle, sleep and exercise more. I have learnt so much over the last few weeks,

I am honoured to have been given the chance to participate and I am very grateful for the opportunity.

I would highly recommend this to any stroke survivor. It has helped me so much and thanks to EnableMe for letting me know.

 

 

• Memory Rehabilitation After Stroke: Participants required for research exploring techniques to improve memory following stroke available nationally.
• Read Jan's story.

 

EnableMe members Marcus, Jenny and Sue have started a 'Weekend Conversations' forum series, where they share their thoughts and experiences around a recovery topic.

Check out the 'conversations so far':

• Weekend conversation: Fear Of Another Stroke
• Weekend conversation Number 2: How to explain what is feels like after your stroke to others.
• Weekend conversation Number 3: What makes your life easier and safer since your stroke
• Weekend conversation Number 4: The unexpected

 

The awesome Priya was featured in the Daily Telegraph last week. Priya had a haemorrhagic stroke two years ago when she was 24 years old and she was talking about an app that she uses for medication adherence.

Priya said “In late 2016, I started testing an app called Perx to manage my medication. You input information about the medicines you take and what times you take them and Perx sends you a reminder when it's time. It also offers rewards such as movie tickets and fuel vouchers to motivate you to take your medication. Since I've been using this app I've found that I never miss taking my medicine.” 

Think F.A.S.T and act FAST this National Stroke Week - join the FAST Response Team

National Stroke Week will take place from Monday 4 to Sunday 10 September 2017. Thousands of Stroke Week Activities will take place in communities across the country including information stalls, health checks and fundraising for the Stroke Foundation.

This National Stroke Week, the Stroke Foundation is aiming to ensure every Australian household has someone who knows the signs of stroke and to call 000. Share the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke with your friends, family and colleagues - the life you save could be your own.

Register today to get your FREE Stroke Week promotional kit.

Remember if you have tips to help us improve EnableMe, we would love to hear from you at enableme@strokefoundation.org.au

We look forward to assisting you in your recovery and helping you to live your life well after stroke.

Many thanks,
 

Diana Kerr | Online Community Coordinator
National Stroke Foundation | Level 7, 461 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000
T +61 3 9670 1000 |StrokeLine: 1800 787 653