Learn two easy ways to make a memory notebook

Using a memory notebook is an evidence-based external memory strategy for people who have acquired brain injury. (A memory notebook is not to be confused with a memory book. They are quite different.) Learn two easy ways you can organize a notebook to help improve memory and executive function skills.

Free DIRECT download: Memory book examples (patient handout). (Email subscribers get free access to all the resources in the Free Subscription Library.)

Outline:

Is a memory notebook different from a memory book?
- What is a memory notebook?
- How is a memory book different?
Should I use a digital or paper-based memory notebook?
How to use a memory notebook organized by topic.
How to use a memory notebook organized by date.
What’s the point of using a memory notebook?
Related Eat, Speak, & Think posts.

Is a memory notebook different from a memory book?

Yes, a memory notebook is quite different from a memory book. In a nutshell, a memory notebook is used to support executive function skills, whereas a memory book is used to improve social interaction and communication skills.

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What is a memory notebook?

Someone using a memory notebook:

Typically has an acquired brain injury (ABI).
Uses it daily to support prospective memory and recall of information.
New information is added to the notebook daily or as often as is needed.

People who have an acquired brain injury can use a memory book to write down things they want to remember. For example, they may:

Record contact information.
List important facts.
Write down instructions for new procedures.
Take notes during doctor visits and other meetings.
Use it as a therapeutic journal/diary.
Record upcoming appointments and events.

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How is a memory book different?

A memory book is quite different from a memory notebook. A memory book:

Is used to help people with dementia communicate in social settings.
Highlights key moments in a person’s life.
Is a finished product created by a family member or therapist.
Contains personal information, photographs, and even small momentos such as tickets to events or postcards.
Is used to support social interaction, reminiscing, and on-topic conversation.

To learn more about memory books, check out Michelle Bourgeois’ excellent book*, which comes with many free resources, or Jeanette Benigas’ MedBridge course External Memory Aids and Memory Books for Memory Loss**.

*This is an Amazon affiliate link. As an Amazon associate, I may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. There is no extra charge to you, and it will help keep Eat, Speak, & Think sustainable.

**This is a MedBridge affiliate link. At no extra charge to you, I may earn a commission if you chose to subscribe to MedBridge.

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Should I make a digital or paper-based memory notebook?

If you’re making a memory notebook, you’ll need to decide between a paper-based or digital notebook. The Mayo Clinic recommends using a paper-based day planner, citing research that found better outcomes using a paper-based notebook compared to digital apps. Participants using a paper-based memory notebook were faster at taking notes and better at recalling that information.

However, there is research supporting the use of digital memory notebooks as well, including this 2021 systematic review. This 2019 systematic review supports both digital and paper-based memory notebooks for cognitive rehabilitation.

So the decision to use digital apps or a paper-based notebook should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Discussing personal preferences and evaluating the user’s ability to perform necessary operations on a smart phone or tablet should help guide the final decision.

If you’re going to use a paper notebook, you’ll need to consider the size and durability of the notebook. The user should carry the notebook with them for maximum benefit.

I have several of the Leuchtturm 1917 notebooks*, which I have used for a more traditional Bullet Journal, as well as for the topic-based procedure described below. This particular notebook measure 7″ x 10″, so it’s not pocket-sized, but it does fit in a large purse. These are sturdy notebooks with good quality paper, 3 pages set aside for a table of contents, and the pages are numbered.

If the blank notebook doesn’t appeal to you, and you’d rather use a day planner, you may want to use a system such as this one*:

But you don’t need to spend a lot of money on a fancy notebook or daily planner. You can use any blank notebook you like. I’d recommend looking for one that is portable, durable, and has enough space to capture the intended information.

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How to use a memory notebook organized by topic

Here’s how to set up the memory notebook:

Find a blank notebook.
Write “Table of Contents” (TOC) at the top of the first 2-3 pages (both sides).
Number the pages (at least the first dozen or so to get started). Numbering can start with the TOC or with the first blank page.

Now you’re ready to use the memory notebook.

Turn to the first blank page.
Write the topic at the top of the page.
Make your notes.
Turn back to the TOC. Write in the topic on the first blank line and add the page number.

Every time you start a new topic, turn to a blank page and follow the steps above.

When you have more information to add to an existing topic, look it up in the TOC, turn to that page, and make your notes.

Once you’ve filled a topic page, turn to the next blank page in the book, write the topic at the top, then add the page number to the existing line in the TOC.

Check out the free download to see an example.

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How to use a memory notebook organized by date.

Here’s how to set up a memory notebook organized by date.

Find a blank notebook.
Write “Table of Contents” at the top of the first 2-3 pages (both sides).
Number the pages (at least the first dozen or so to get started). Numbering can start with the TOC or with the first blank page.

You may have noticed that this is the exact same set-up as the other memory notebook. Here’s how you use it:

Turn to the first blank page.
Write the date at the top of the page.
All your notes for the day go on this page. (If you need more space, just continue to the next page.)
Turn back to the TOC.
Find each topic you wrote about and add the page number(s).
If the topic isn’t in the TOC yet, write it in on the next available line.

The free download shows an example.

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What’s the point of using a memory notebook?

Using a memory notebook is an evidence-based technique for people who have acquired brain injury. It has been shown to improve prospective memory and recall of information. A memory notebook is an effective tool to help people keep track of information, make and keep appointments, manage their own medical care, and generally be more independent.

Please share your experience or tips in the comments below!

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Free DIRECT download: Memory book examples (patient handout). (Email subscribers get free access to all the resources in the Free Subscription Library.)

Featured image by GeekImagination from pixabay.

Lisa A Young M.A. CCC-SLP

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Lisa earned her M.A. in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Maryland, College Park and her M.A. in Linguistics from the University of California, San Diego.

She participated in research studies with the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and the University of Maryland in the areas of aphasia, Parkinson’s Disease, epilepsy, and fluency disorders.

Lisa has been working as a medical speech-language pathologist since 2008. She has a strong passion for evidence-based assessment and therapy, having earned five ASHA Awards for Professional Participation in Continuing Education.

She launched EatSpeakThink.com in June 2018 to help other clinicians be more successful working in home health, as well as to provide strategies and resources to people living with problems eating, speaking, or thinking.