When Memory Fades
How to cope with the ravages of memory loss due to Alzheimer’s
Dear Caregivers,
Happy Birthday, America! Our nation turns 245 on Monday, the 4th of July. (Actually, the colonies’ Continental Congress declared independence from Britain on July 2nd, but the Declaration of Independence wasn’t published in newspapers until the 4th, and so that became the day of celebration.) It’s a day of fireworks and BBQs, but it’s also a day to reflect on our country’s history, and perhaps your and your loved one’s personal memories of Independence Day in the past.
I hope that you and your loved one find some fun activities to celebrate the holiday. At the same time, I hope that you find some time to reflect on the nature of how we keep our memories, and learn how to best cope with Alzheimer’s devastating effects on this precious gift.
Memory Loss:
Dealing with memory loss, and adapting to changes in the ability to think, remember, and learn can be a time of sadness and frustration for both your loved one and family and friends. It's an interesting fact about Alzheimer's disease that it always impacts short-term memory making first. While your loved one may clearly remember things that happened long ago, recent facts and events can be quickly forgotten. They may have trouble keeping track of time and places; remembering appointments, people, names, and finding the right words. Learn more about Alzhiemer’s effects on memory, and how you can best cope with it.
Strategies For Memory Support:
When applying strategies to help support your loved one’s changing memory, it’s important to understand that Alzheimer’s impacts everyone differently, and so you need to adapt a specific strategy to fit a set of specific circumstances. Some solutions work well for those in the early stages where memory-making may still be possible, but may no longer work for those with more advanced disease. Sometimes techniques that are working right now may not continue to work into the future. As a caregiver, remember that you need to be flexible and keep trying new solutions. Here are some strategies for supporting your loved one’s memory.
Sleep Your Way To Better Memory:
Lack of sleep is one of the top concerns cited by caregivers. In a recent survey more than 3/4ths of caregivers reported short sleep durations and frequent night awakenings. Scientific research shows that sleeping helps your brain strengthen memories that have been created through the day, as well as linking these memories to other memories already made. Here are some tips for getting a better night of sleep.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present.”
— Alice Morse Earle
