I have concluded my communications therapy program at Bryn Mawr Rehab and enrolled in the Fighting Back program in Malvern. Below is an interview I conducted with my CT therapist, Laura, on my last day.

What was my memory like when I first came to the Day Treatment program?

It was “severely impaired”. It was difficult for you to remember names, events, even after a short time. For example, when asked to remember three items after three minutes, you would only be able to remember one. Today you remembered all three without any problem.

You also had difficulty with orientation in time, unable to remember or keep track of the date, day of the week, year or time of day. Today you know all of that without having to refer to anything.

I know that my memory has improved since then.  How do you as a Communication Therapist measure that? 

We use standardized tests, we therapy activities, observation, and patient/family information.             

On the first day at the day treatment program, your immediate memory was in the fiftieth percentile and your recent memory was in the sixteenth percentile.

Today, your immediate memory is in the ninety-fifth percentile and recent memory is somewhere between the seventy-fifth and eighty-fourth percentile.  These tests evaluate my memory over a couple of minutes. As more time passes, I may have more difficulty.

What challenges and improvements in my memory do you see in my future?

I think that your memory will continue to improve gradually over time. I believe the more responsibility and initiation you take in your daily routine, the better your memory will become. Look for opportunities that have a routine to give your brain multiple opportunities to remember as it needs repetition right now for things to become ingrained. You must challenge yourself, really dig into your memory, going step by step if are trying to recall something.

I will be doing Fighting Back 2 days a week and waiting to hear from the insurance company regarding future therapy at Bryn Mawr.

Regards,

Josh