Short-Term Memory Impairment

This section of the Inclusive Virginia Adult Education website provides information, instructional strategies, resources, and accommodations for adult education practitioners on serving adult learners who have short-term memory impairment.

People with short-term memory loss have difficulty remembering information they just received. Numerous physical and psychological conditions can cause short-term memory loss, and the treatment will depend on the cause (Medical News Today).

Some causes include:

Medications: Side effects from certain medications, such as antiseizure medications, benzodiazepines, opioids, and tricyclic antidepressants
Brain injuries: Concussions or other minor head injuries
Psychological conditions: Depression, stress, anxiety, or PTSD
Substance use disorder: Alcohol, tobacco, or drug use
Sleep deprivation: Not getting enough sleep
Nutritional deficiencies: A lack of vitamins or thyroid issues
Infections: HIV, tuberculosis, or syphilis
Brain diseases: Brain tumors, brain aneurysm, or stroke

Additional Information

Check-in for understanding throughout lesson by asking questions
Provide written and verbal directions (or with pictures)
Use graphic organizers and/or visual aids
Provide guided notes or allow use of an audio-recorder in class
Provide multiple and repeated ways for learners to gain information (written, visual, auditory, etc)
Use different colors for different concepts
Give some reading materials ahead of time for learners to read at home, prior to class
Give extra time to complete classwork
Chunk larger concepts into smaller pieces and check in after each chunk
Allow learners to use cue sheets, which can include course notes, lists of facts, and definitions
Allow learners to use calculators, word processors, spell-check devices, and text readers
Use songs, rhymes, physical routines, and memory strategies such as mnemonic devices to help learners memorize information

Create a daily routine and stick to it
Provide a check-list/rubric ahead of time (especially for long assignments or writing prompts)
Provide learners with written materials (articles, notes, vocabulary, etc) ahead of time if you can. If not, allow enough time to read in class