If you have a loved one who has been diagnosed with dementia, it is certainly a blow to everyone in the family. The condition will only progress over time, and your loved one will be likely to exhibit certain symptoms as the condition worsens. But one of the most common symptoms associated with dementia is the loss of memory. If you are worried about how memory loss will affect your loved one, here’s everything you need to know about memory loss in a condition like dementia.
The relationship between memory loss and dementia
One of the first symptoms or signs of dementia is actually memory loss. At first, a lapse in memory may be thought to be the normal sign of ageing, but in a person with dementia, the loss of memory can become more serious and severe as well as persistent. Often, the loss of memory is also accompanied by other symptoms such as changes in the person’s attitude and behaviour and how they think and feel. The loss of memory will affect everyone in a different way. For some, the loss of memory may be quite gradual, and they can still perform some functions and tasks by themselves. Others may easily recall long-forgotten memories but have trouble remembering recent happenings or events.
Typical behaviour associated with memory loss
As mentioned, those with dementia may experience memory loss in different ways. No two people are alike. But there is some typical behaviour associated with memory loss as well. For example, forgetting recent events or conversations or not being able to find the proper word to express themselves. Often, someone with dementia may also forget a person’s name or the name of an object. They are also more likely to lose or misplace certain items such as their glasses or keys, and they may start struggling with certain simple tasks like making tea. A person with dementia may also forget anniversaries, birthdays, or appointments, and they may forget to take medication.
Other typical behaviour associated with memory loss is forgetting where they are or where they are going; they may, in fact, get lost in a totally familiar environment such as the neighbourhood they have lived in for years. As the condition worsens, they may also have difficulty recognising a face, even if it’s a family member or close friend.
Coping with memory loss
Whilst it can be difficult to deal with memory loss, there are ways through which you or a caregiver can cope. For one, you should try to keep objects in the same location or place, such as keys or a wallet in a drawer or on a table. The environment should be kept clean and tidy, so it will be easier to find things; good lighting helps as well. You can also create signs that will help the person use items such as the microwave, and label cupboards so they will easily know the contents. It would also be a big help if you can get professional care and assistance for your loved one, such as a live in carer. Live in carers are specially trained to provide care for elderly people and people with dementia, and it will ease your burden of care as well.
One of the first symptoms or signs of dementia is actually memory loss. At first, a lapse in memory may be thought to be the normal sign of ageing, but in a person with dementia, the loss of memory can become more serious and severe as well as persistent. Often, the loss of memory is also accompanied by other symptoms such as changes in the person’s attitude and behaviour and how they think and feel. The loss of memory will affect everyone in a different way. For some, the loss of memory may be quite gradual, and they can still perform some functions and tasks by themselves. Others may easily recall long-forgotten memories but have trouble remembering recent happenings or events.
Typical behaviour associated with memory loss
As mentioned, those with dementia may experience memory loss in different ways. No two people are alike. But there is some typical behaviour associated with memory loss as well. For example, forgetting recent events or conversations or not being able to find the proper word to express themselves. Often, someone with dementia may also forget a person’s name or the name of an object. They are also more likely to lose or misplace certain items such as their glasses or keys, and they may start struggling with certain simple tasks like making tea. A person with dementia may also forget anniversaries, birthdays, or appointments, and they may forget to take medication.
Other typical behaviour associated with memory loss is forgetting where they are or where they are going; they may, in fact, get lost in a totally familiar environment such as the neighbourhood they have lived in for years. As the condition worsens, they may also have difficulty recognising a face, even if it’s a family member or close friend.
Coping with memory loss
Whilst it can be difficult to deal with memory loss, there are ways through which you or a caregiver can cope. For one, you should try to keep objects in the same location or place, such as keys or a wallet in a drawer or on a table. The environment should be kept clean and tidy, so it will be easier to find things; good lighting helps as well. You can also create signs that will help the person use items such as the microwave, and label cupboards so they will easily know the contents. It would also be a big help if you can get professional care and assistance for your loved one, such as a live in carer. Live in carers are specially trained to provide care for elderly people and people with dementia, and it will ease your burden of care as well.
