Memory in Alzheimer's Disease
Advice for People with Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias
Types of memory that may be lost during the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Tips for people with memory loss including how to use memory aids.
Alzheimer’s disease can cause memory loss, particularly in remembering recent events. This can include remembering what you bought at the shops today or what you ate for lunch. This is called episodic memory.
Another type of memory that can be lost is that of semantic memory. This is used to remember the meanings of certain words, or to remember facts that are personally important. Problems with semantic memory mean that you have difficulty finding the right words when speaking.
Here are some tips to help you to remember everyday things. They are useful whether you have a specific memory problem or not.
- Use memory aids. These include wall charts, calendars, notebooks and diaries. Be careful not to use more than one diary. It can be frustrating if conflicting information appears in them. It is also easier to keep one diary up to date. Electronic planners may be helpful for some people, as are dictaphones which allow you to leave yourself a spoken message. Placing reminder notes around the house can be a good idea, provided that they are removed when no longer relevant, and also that the home does not become cluttered with reminders.
- Write lists. Write a list of things you aim to do at the start of every day. Tick each item as it is completed. You can also have specific shopping, Christmas cards etc., according to each situation.
- Keep important items in their own special places. Keys, dog leads, pens, eye-glasses...the loss or misplacement of these items can be stressful. Therefore, make sure you have a special place to keep each item. Your house key may be kept on a hook in a familiar place; your eye glasses can be stored on the same part of a shelf each time you take them off.
- If you have to remember a large amount of information, break down the entire project into smaller chunks, tackling them in shorter sessions.
- Make sure you get enough sleep and exercise, and keep to a well-balanced diet. A healthy body will help to keep a healthy mind.
- Know yourself. Do you work better in the mornings - or are you at your best in the evenings? We are all different in our abilities to do throughout the day. Take advantage of your best times to get the best from yourself.
- Establish routines. It is easier to remember things that you repeat on a regular basis, rather than to have a free timetable.
- Remove things that distract you. If you are not watching TV, turn it off. If you are having a discussion, do not attempt another task at the same time. One thing at a time is enough to concentrate on.
- Stimulate your mind. Research has shown that people who challenge their minds with hobbies keep better memories. These hobbies include: word puzzles, quizzes, crosswords, chess, draughts, reading....these can be considered to be exercise for the mind.
