Stroke can affect your memory and thinking (also known as cognition).  

The information on these pages is written for people who have had a stroke but there is information for family and friends as well.  

What are memory and thinking?

Every second you receive a huge amount of information from the world around you, through your senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. Your brain has to understand, organise and keep the information you need. This is also known as memory and thinking, which are part of what’s known as cognition.  

Problems with memory and thinking are known as ‘cognitive problems.’ They can affect people in many different ways. This includes: 

• Problems with concentration. 

• Having trouble remembering certain things. 

• Finding it hard to work out how to do something. 

• Not recognising things. 

• Not realising something is near you, even though you can see it. 

Why have my memory and thinking been affected?

Different parts of your brain work together to produce cognitive skills like thinking and memory. If one of those parts of your brain is damaged by a stroke, this can lead to cognitive problems.  

Cognitive problems are very common after stroke. They can affect many aspects of your life, including: 

• Communication.
• Relationships with partners and friends.
• Planning and doing tasks at home or at work.
• Reading and writing.
• Being motivated to do things like therapy and fitness.
• Travelling and hobbies.

How are cognitive problems after stroke diagnosed? 

When you’re in hospital, you should be screened to find out if you may have any cognitive problems. However, some cognitive problems are not easy to identify, and some might only be noticeable after you return home. You should be assessed again at regular intervals after you leave hospital. 

Can cognitive problems after stroke improve? 

Cognitive problems are usually worst during the first few months after a stroke, but they can improve over time.  

Problems are likely to improve most quickly over the first three months, as this is when your brain is at its most active, trying to repair itself. It’s still possible for problems to improve after this, but you may find that it takes longer. Recovery can continue for months or years. Every stroke is different and your recovery is unique to you. 

Accessible resources 

The information in this section can be accessed in the following formats. 

• Download this information as a PDF or large print Word document. 

• Order a printed copy from our Shop. 

• To request a braille copy, email feedback@stroke.org.uk