The National Institute on Aging 1 states that mild forgetfulness in older people can occasionally be forgetting a name, slower responses, or misplacing items but then being able to remember those same details later on. Memory loss due to dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease is more severe and may result in impaired memory, reasoning, judgment, language, and other thinking skills. Some memory loss may come and go depending on environmental factors (such as lack of sleep or stress). Other times the memory loss remains, and, in some cases, gets worse over time. When this happens, it’s essential to have the right support and care in place for that individual.

What Causes Memory Loss As We Age?

Memory loss is part of the natural aging process. As our bodies age, they begin to function less efficiently, resulting in slower responses or forgetfulness. Some factors that create memory problems as people age include: Deterioration - Parts of the brain begin to deteriorate with age. Regions (such as the hippocampus) dealing with memories and information start to function as a slower pace. Hormones - Levels of hormones decline with age affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that help memory and concentration. Proteins - Proteins in the brain, such as the Arc protein 2 , begin to break down, affecting memory and brain neuron growth. Decreased blood flow - Many studies show circulation to the brain 3 is often affected by age—specifically, the temporal lobes—which can cause changes in memory and cognitive skills. If a family member or loved one is struggling with memory loss, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional who can evaluate the condition and give care recommendations.

What Causes Dementia?

Dementia is due to abnormal brain changes caused by damage to the brain cells. There are many reasons why damage to the brain can occur. Some include: Disease - Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, and Frontotemporal Dementia Strokes - Brain damage due to strokes can affect memory and lead to conditions such as vascular dementia Trauma - Traumatic brain injury, chronic substance abuse, or PTSD can all contribute to cognitive impairment and the onset of dementia

How To Care for People With Alzheimer's

Whether caring for someone with dementia at home or working with professionals at a memory care facility, here are some essential tips to keep in mind: Stay Calm - Do your best to be patient and understanding. Not being recognized by someone you love is upsetting, but remember not to take it personally. Keep it brief - If you need to offer corrections or explanation, keep it short and to the point. Rephrasing comments as suggestions can help the corrections sound less harsh and more likely to be received. Indulge in memories - It's ok to talk about the past. If a loved one believes the past is the present, you can go there with the understanding that it may seem like the present for them. Visual cues - Use pictures and items to talk about important family, friends, and places, or create images to identify essential items in their living space, such as a picture of socks outside their sock drawer. Talk about it - Find a place to talk about your experience. Utilize in-person or online support groups to get encouragement, advice, and ideas on how to best help yourself and your loved one deal with memory loss. Managing memory loss due to Alzheimer's and dementia can be emotionally and physically challenging. Understanding what you can provide and being realistic about when you need support will establish the best quality of life for you and your loved one. If you feel that you need more help, memory care facilities can provide the qualified level of care planning to meet the needs and ease the burden of managing any type of dementia.

Alzheimer's & Memory Care Archives

How to Help Someone With Memory Loss

By: Haven Health | Last Modified: August 15, 2024

Not being able to remember details is a frustrating aspect of aging. Mild forgetfulness happens naturally as people age, but in some cases, it may be a sign of something more serious. Understanding the aging process and learning what to look for can help family members and friends get loved ones essential help and support…

Category: Memory Care | Alzheimer's

What Is Memory Care and How Can it Help?

By: Haven Health | Last Modified: August 15, 2024

Most family caregivers expect that as their loved ones age, they will at some point struggle with remembering things. However, age or injury-related memory loss can come with far more stressful and disruptive challenges. If you want to help meet your family member’s needs, you need to understand these challenges and how professional memory care…

Category: Memory Care | Alzheimer's