Parkinson’s Disease and Memory Problems — Part 2

Why Memory Feels Different with PD

Written by: Kristi Riker, OTD, OTR/L

Living with memory changes in Parkinson’s can make everyday tasks feel harder than they used to—but cognitive changes do not mean cognitive decline is inevitable. The brain is remarkably adaptable, even with Parkinson’s. With the right strategies, structure, and movement, it is possible to support memory, improve thinking efficiency, and reduce the daily mental load that so often leads to frustration and fatigue.

Part 2 focuses on what you can do to address your memory!  These strategies are practical, realistic, and designed to fit into real life—not add more work to your day.  Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference in how clearly and confidently your brain functions.

Memory Improvement Strategies

1. Compensatory Techniques: These strategies support memory through tools, routines, and environmental changes

External supports:

• Shared calendars

• Phone alarms and reminders

• Color-coded checklists

• Labels on commonly misplaced items

• A visually simple home environment

• Bluetooth trackers for wallets, keys, or bags

  
  

 Environmental supports:

• One task at a time

• Reduced background noise

• Allow extra time to process

• Slow the pace of conversationsUse cues to unlock stored memories:

• “It starts with G…”

• “We went there in the summer…”

  
  

2. Physical Exercise

Aerobic exercise—even walking—boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which supports brain health in Parkinson’s. (Note: Bridges for Parkinson’s exercise classes involve a lot of cardio and this is one of the reasons why!)

Benefits include:

• Faster thinking speed

• Improved attention and executive function

• Better mood

  
  

3. Medication Timing

Many people believe they have memory problems when they are actually in an “off” period.

Helpful considerations:

• Optimizing dopamine medication timing

• Cholinesterase inhibitors (such as rivastigmine) for PD dementia

• Avoiding medications that worsen confusion (Benadryl, benzodiazepines, some bladder medications)

  
  

4. Nervous System Regulation

Stress strongly worsens attention and working memory.

Helpful strategies include:

• Deep breathing

• Predictable routines

• Reducing sensory overload

NOTE: A regulated nervous system supports better thinking.

5. Daily Memory Exercises

Memory retrieval strengthening because PD often affects retrieval more than storage.

• Cue-Based Recall: Practice recalling memories with and without hints.

• “What Did We Do Today?” Routine: At day’s end, recall:

  • 3 things you did

  • 3 people you spoke to

  • 3 places you went

    
    

 Visual–Spatial Memory

Supports navigation and fall prevention.

• Pattern copying (look → hide → recreate)

• Route recall (rooms, house layout, familiar directions)

  
  

 Executive Function Training

Builds planning and sequencing skills.

• Step sequencing (making coffee, packing, cooking)

• Real-life problem solving (trip planning, emergency scenarios)

  
  

6. Dual-Task Training

Combines movement with thinking.

• Walk while reciting every other letter of the alphabet

• Count backward by 3s while walking

• Play ping-pong while naming items in a category

• Dance sequences that require remembering steps

  
  

7. Helpful Cognitive Apps

• Lumosity

• Peak Brain Training

• Cognito

• Constant Therapy

• HappyNeuron

  
  

8. Daily Memory Routine

Daily Memory Exercise Routine (10-15 minutes):

Exercise:	Description:	Time:	Purpose:
Attention Activation	Name 10 animals as fast as you can. Name 10 things in your kitchen. Name 10 words starting with “B”.	1 minute	Wakes up verbal fluency and word retrieval
Working Memory Builder	Write 4 random digits, look for 5 seconds, cover, say backward.	Repeat for 2 minutes	Improves working memory
Processing Speed	Read color-words out loud by naming the color, not the word (look up Stroop test online).	2 minutes	Improves processing speed and cognitive control
Category recall	Name: 5 fruits, 5 tools, 5 things you’d find in a bathroom	3 minutes	Strengthens memory retrieval (#1 memory skill impacted in PD)
Daily recall	Think of 3 things you did so far today and 3 places you’ve been in the last 24 hours	3 minutes	Strengthens memory retrieval
Visual–Spatial Strengthening	Look at a simple pattern of shapes or blocks → hide → redraw	2 minutes	Strengthens visual memory skills
Nervous System Cool-Down	5 slow breaths Gentle “orienting”: look around the room and name 3 things you see	1 minute	Reduces overwhelm and helps the brain store what it learned.

Memory challenges in Parkinson’s are real—but they are not a measure of intelligence, effort, or identity. They reflect changes in brain chemistry and communication, not a loss of capability or worth. When memory struggles are met with understanding, patience, and the right tools, daily life becomes more manageable—and confidence begins to return.

By supporting your brain through movement, structure, stress regulation, and intentional practice, you are actively strengthening the pathways that matter most. Progress does not come from doing everything perfectly, but from doing a few things consistently. Your brain is still learning, still adapting, and still capable of growth. And Bridges for Parkinson’s is dedicated to helping you live your best life!

Resources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/parkinsons-dementia

BMJ 2018; 361 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.k1315 Anticholinergic drugs and risk of dementia: case-control study (Published 25 April 2018)

De la Fuente-Fernández R. Frontostriatal cognitive staging in Parkinson's disease. Parkinsons Dis. 2012;2012:561046. doi: 10.1155/2012/561046. Epub 2011 Dec 6. PMID: 22191070; PMCID: PMC3236592.

Mack J, Marsh L. Parkinson's Disease: Cognitive Impairment. Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2017 Jan;15(1):42-54. doi: 10.1176/appi.focus.20160043. Epub 2017 Jan 11. PMID: 31975839; PMCID: PMC6519621.

Stefanis L. α-Synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med. 2012 Feb;2(2):a009399. doi: 10.1101/cshperspect.a009399. PMID: 22355802; PMCID: PMC3281589.

Yan-Feng Zhang, Stephanie J. Cragg, Revisiting dopamine-acetylcholine imbalance in Parkinson’s disease: Glutamate co-transmission as an exciting partner in crime, Neuron, Volume 109, Issue 7, 2021, Pages 1070-1071, ISSN 0896-6273

Links: 

Bluetooth tracker: ​​https://www.walmart.com/ip/Air-Tracker