Remember This!
Dear Caregivers,
Being able to remember things is very much in the news these days, and for caregivers of loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s it’s a continual concern.
Yet having difficulties remembering something is quite common in people of all ages. A lot depends on whether the person is multitasking, or under stress or fatigued, or compromised by some other psychological challenge. Certainly, people tend to have more memory losses as they age, but that is due in part to the fact that, at an older age, there is more to remember!
It’s important to note that memories aren’t “stored” in a particular place in the brain, like you might put a file in a folder. Rather, the latest scientific thinking is that a particular memory is stored throughout the brain, a little like a hologram. That means “retrieving” a memory can be prone to errors and distortions and can change over time.
To keep your own memory healthy and robust, remember that the mind is very closely integrated with the body. That means exercising regularly (average 30 minutes a day if you can), getting a good sleep (over 7 hours), and eating healthily (unprocessed foods, limited alcohol).
On the mental side of the ledger, do as much as you can to limit stress (deep breathing exercises, meditation), increase your ability to focus by limiting distractions (cut down on multi-taking), stay mentally active (take on challenges such as learning a new language or starting a new hobby), and stay socially active.
Sadly, memory is one of the first parts of a person’s brain that Alzheimer’s attacks, as it damages an area of the brain known as the hippocampus, which plays a critical role in processing information into memory in the brain. Though you can’t prevent the progression of the disease, these steps will help manage this deterioration:
Reminiscence Therapy: This practice involves talking with your loved one about their life history, including past events, experiences, and familiar friends and acquaintances. Using photos, music, and other important objects from your loved one’s past, this therapy can be conducted in group sessions or individually. Talk to your NAN Navigator about finding resources that can help with this.
One Step At a Time: People with Alzheimer’s often retain a longer grasp of what is known as “procedural memory,” which orchestrates basic how-to tasks such as personal care, riding a bicycle, and using a tool. Therefore it helps to break larger procedural activities such as bathing into smaller steps that your loved one can tackle one at a time. For example, you might start with “First, let’s take off your shoes” and proceed sequentially from there.
Visual Clues: Help your loved one by placing visible labels on important objects such as clothes drawers, toilet, or household items, which can trigger their brain to remember the object and how it is used. Hang a large whiteboard or calendar on the wall where your loved one can see it, and list important information such as the date, current weather, and any upcoming appointments. Creating a photo book with family members and friends can help prompt your loved one’s memory prior to having visitors.
Keep It Simple: Avoid having auditory distractions so that your loved one can be in a quiet, calm environment. Establish a predictable routine so that your loved one has a sense of stability and predictability.
Don’t Correct: Refrain from correcting your loved one if they mis-remember something, or make a mistake in something they are trying to accomplish. Instead, be patient and calm, and gently steer them towards the appropriate pathway, to give them encouragement.
Here is some more guidance on managing memory:
My Loved One Repeatedly Asks the Same Questions. How Should I Deal With That?
First, stop and take a deep relaxation breath! Avoid the temptation to say “I already told you that.” After all, it is very common for individuals who have problems with their memory to become confused and engage in asking the same question over and over, sometimes to the point of being irritating to family and friends. Here are some coping suggestions.
Living with Memory Loss:
Coping with memory loss can be a time of sadness and frustration for both the person affected and their family, friends, and caregiver. Here are some of the tips shared from others who have faced life with Alzheimer’s disease.
Strategies for Success: Memory Tips:
Here are some strategies to help improve your loved one’s memory. Remember that people are different, and so some solutions work well for some people, and not at all for others. Sometimes things that work now may not work in the future but will work in another week.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
"Alzheimer’s is about the present and the struggle, the scrappy brawl, the fight to live with a disease. It’s being in the present, the relationships, the experiences, which is the core of life, the courage to live in the soul.”
— Greg O’Brien
