TL;DR: Yes, dyslexia can make memory a bit trickier, especially when it comes to working memory (that’s the brain’s short-term memory) and holding onto words or numbers for a little while.
But here’s the good news: long-term memory and intelligence aren’t affected, and there are loads of ways to make things easier, like using multisensory learning, breaking things into chunks, adding visual reminders, and trying out assistive tech. Keep reading to find out more.
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Yes, in some instances it can. While many people think dyslexia is only about reading and spelling, many of us notice that certain types of memory can be a bit more challenging, especially working memory and remembering words or instructions.
But let’s clear something up: this isn’t about effort or motivation. It’s simply how a dyslexic brain processes language and information.
Having dyslexia doesn’t mean your memory is broken; far from it! Many dyslexic people have fantastic long-term memory, a great eye for detail, or a real talent for remembering stories, faces, and the big picture. It’s this unique mix of strengths and challenges that makes dyslexia so interesting, and so often misunderstood.
Dyslexia is a common learning difference that mainly affects reading and spelling skills. The British Dyslexia Association estimates that around 10% of the UK population is dyslexic, with about 4% severely affected.
The main challenge is usually with phonological processing, which means recognising, holding onto, and working with the sounds inside words. Because memory and language are so closely linked, it’s no surprise that this difference can show up in how we remember things, too.
Memory isn’t just one thing; there are lots of different types, and dyslexia can make some of them a bit more challenging than others.
Working memory is like your brain’s notepad. It helps you remember a phone number just long enough to dial it, follow a set of instructions, or keep track of the start of a sentence until you reach the end.
This is the part most commonly linked to dyslexia, and many people with dyslexia find it tricky to juggle several pieces of information at once, especially when it’s all words or spoken instructions.
Verbal short-term memory is about holding onto words, numbers, or sounds for a short time. For lots of people with dyslexia, this can be a bit more challenging. That’s why things like remembering a list of instructions, repeating a new name, or keeping a string of numbers in your head can feel tough.
Long-term memory is where we store things for days, months, or even years. For most people with dyslexia, this isn’t usually a problem. In fact, many of us have brilliant long-term memory for ideas, experiences, and the meaning behind things.
The real challenge is often getting information to stick there in the first place, which might just need a bit more repetition or another approach.
Some people find that dyslexia can make it harder to turn certain skills into habits, like tying shoelaces, learning times tables, or remembering spelling patterns without having to stop and think.
When things don’t become automatic, they use up more working memory, which is already working hard. That’s one reason why tasks that seem easy for others can leave dyslexic people feeling tired out.
Many experts talk about the phonological loop, which is a part of working memory that serves like a mini-rehearsal space for sounds and words. If this loop isn’t working smoothly, it’s just harder to hang onto verbal information.
Reading and spelling really depend on this system. When you see a new word, you need to break it into sounds, keep those sounds in your head, and then blend them together.
If that process is a bit slower or less accurate, it can make both reading and remembering words harder. That’s why memory differences and reading challenges often show up together.
But remember, every dyslexic person is unique. Dyslexia is a spectrum, and everyone’s strengths and challenges look a bit different.
These difficulties tend to show up in everyday situations. Common examples include:
If any of this sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. Lots of dyslexic adults spend years thinking they’re just forgetful, only to discover there’s a real reason behind it.
Nope! Dyslexia happens across the full range of intelligence, and having a weaker working memory doesn’t mean you’re less smart. Many dyslexic people are highly creative, strategic, and gifted at problem-solving, spatial thinking, and seeing the bigger picture.
Sometimes, working memory challenges can hide these strengths, especially in classrooms or workplaces that focus a lot on written or spoken recall. Noticing the difference is the first step to making sure people get the support they need.
Here’s the good news: there are loads of practical ways to help. While nothing will make dyslexia go away, the right tools can take the pressure off working memory and make learning much easier.
Mixing up sight, sound, touch, and movement can really help things stick. Try tracing letters in sand, using colour-coded notes, or saying facts out loud while you walk around. The more senses you use, the more ways your brain has to find that information later.
Big chunks of information can overwhelm working memory. Breaking things down into smaller steps and pieces makes them much easier to handle. It’s like how remembering a phone number is easier in small groups than as one long string.
Diagrams, flowcharts, timelines, and mind maps help you see how ideas fit together, which makes them easier to understand and remember. Many dyslexic learners find pictures much easier to remember than big blocks of text.
Technology can take pressure off memory. Helpful tools include:
Instead of trying to remember everything, use lists, checklists, sticky notes, labels, and daily routines to help. Keeping your keys, wallet, and phone in the same place every day means one less thing to worry about.
Yes, absolutely. Many adults notice memory challenges at work, such as remembering spoken instructions, taking meeting notes, or organising multiple tasks at once.
Plenty of people only get diagnosed as adults, sometimes after their child is assessed or when they face a new challenge at work.
In the UK, dyslexia is considered a disability under the Equality Act 2010 where it has a substantial and long-term effect on day-to-day activities.
This means employers and education providers may be required to make reasonable adjustments, such as extra time, written instructions, or assistive software.
Dyslexia can make some types of remembering harder, especially when it comes to holding information in your head for a short time. It might look like forgetfulness, but it’s usually just a difference in working memory, not a problem with memory overall.
Yes. Lots of research shows that many people with dyslexia have a tougher time with verbal short-term memory and working memory compared to non-dyslexic folks, though it’s different for everyone.
Long-term memory is often a real strength for people with dyslexia. It might just take a bit more repetition or an alternative approach to get new information to stick, especially if it’s all written or spoken.
No. Dyslexia does not cause memory loss in the medical sense. If you or someone you know experiences sudden or worsening memory problems, it is important to speak to a GP.
Yes. A full diagnostic assessment by a qualified specialist, such as an educational psychologist or specialist assessor, typically includes tests of working memory alongside reading, spelling and phonological skills.
If memory difficulties are affecting your studies, work or wellbeing, it is worth asking for help. You could:
Support works best when it’s designed for you, so getting an assessment can be a really helpful first step on your journey.
Dyslexia can make memory trickier, especially working memory and verbal short-term memory. That’s why things like reading, spelling, taking notes, and following instructions may sometimes seem like a real challenge.
But here’s the thing: dyslexia doesn’t take away from your intelligence or potential. In fact, many people with dyslexia shine when it comes to long-term memory, creativity, and decision-making.
With the right understanding, strategies, and support, these memory challenges can be managed, and dyslexic thinkers can absolutely thrive.
Now it’s your turn: do you or someone you know have dyslexia? What memory strategies have made the biggest difference for you? We’d love to hear your experiences and ideas; let’s keep the conversation going.