What Is Prospective Memory?
What does prospective memory help us remember?
Things we need to do in the future.
You need to call your friend Scott about a party happening Saturday. Does this need to happen today?
No. It can wait because it is not urgent.
You need a prescription refill before your doctor's appointment. When should you call the pharmacy?
Before the appointment day, refills can take time.
What should you do if you have questions for your doctor?
Write them down before the appointment.
You are going to a new restaurant at 7 PM. What should you find out before going?
The location, hours, and whether you need a reservation.
Name three tools that can help improve prospective memory.
A planner, calendar, or to-do list.
You need to drop off a job application between 9:00–10:00 AM. Should this be a priority?
Yes, because it has a specific time requirement.
If you have a busy morning, when might be a better time to complete paperwork?
The day before.
Why is taking notes during a doctor visit helpful?
It helps you remember important information.
You need to buy shampoo, deodorant, and pick up medication. Where would you complete these tasks?
At the pharmacy/store before the appointment if possible.
Why is it helpful to write tasks down instead of trying to remember everything?
It reduces stress and helps make sure important tasks are not forgotten.
When deciding what task comes first, what are some things you should consider?
Time, distance, importance, and deadlines.
Why is preparing ahead of time helpful?
It helps you feel less rushed and more organized.
You need to tell your doctor about headaches and medication side effects. What strategy can help?
Make a list of symptoms and questions before the appointment.
You have a doctor's appointment at 11 AM and a memory class at 1:30 PM. What should you plan for between them?
Travel time, lunch, and preparing for class.
True or False: Prospective memory only helps with remembering things that happened in the past.
False. Prospective memory helps us remember things we need to do in the future.
You have several important tasks on the same day. What should you do first?
Complete tasks with deadlines or appointments first.
You have memory class at 1:30 PM. What should you do before leaving?
Complete homework and pack what you need.
How might feeling rushed affect a doctor visit?
You may forget questions, feel frustrated, or become overwhelmed.
What can happen when we try to remember too many things at once?
We may forget important tasks or feel overwhelmed.
What does it mean to link tasks together?
Connecting one task to another so it is easier to remember what comes next.
Why is it important to avoid waiting until the last minute?
It can cause stress, rushing, and forgetting important details.
What is one strategy to remember items you need to bring with you?
Place them in your bag ahead of time or keep them in an automatic place.
What information should you bring when meeting with a social worker about disability payments?
Financial documents such as checks, pay stubs, or other paperwork.
⭐ Final Jeopardy Question
Category: Prospective Memory Challenge
Question:
You have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning. Name three things you can do today to prepare.