Helping family members with early dementia deal with memory problems

 Helping family members with early dementia deal with memory problems

When a loved one begins to show early symptoms of dementia, there are many issues of autonomy, security, and sense of self that need to be dealt with. As dementia progresses, a person may have to give up living alone, but during the early stages, a supportive family network and memory aids can help them maintain their autonomy for a little longer.

Is it dementia or natural aging?

Most people start showing signs of memory loss after the age of 70. This is normal, due to aging, and is usually short-term in nature (where did I put my keys?). It is not particularly dangerous, although it may be uncomfortable. However, rapid or more widespread memory loss may indicate dementia and should always be confirmed by the doctor.

More children and adult grandchildren deal each year with their parents or grandparents' dementia and memory loss. With three generations of living family members, many individuals can live independently for longer periods of time, provided family members have the willingness to stick together and make it work.

How families can help

Moving memories can be as simple as using the right tools. If your parents or grandparents forget whether they have taken their medication every day or if they have an appointment with a doctor, visual means can be a great help. Pill cases that divide medications into daily doses aid in determining whether or not prescriptions have been taken.Investing in a large calendar and making sure they make their appointments will also help keep them on track.

Similarly, the phone can be a lifeline, but it's easy to forget phone numbers with age. Even the numbers programmed for rapid connection can become confusing as dementia progresses. Invest in a phone with large-sized keyboards and a programme with important numbers. Then name each key after each person. If a person wants to call his son, all he has to do is press the key with his image.

If you find the above solutions useful, you can apply these kinds of regulatory methods in other areas as well. The rack of keys installed near the front door with large-sized key tags named "simplifies life." Does your grandfather tend to forget to wear a jacket when he comes out? Place a hook beside the door too; if he sees it, he is more likely to wear it than if it is out of sight. You can also encourage your parents or grandparents to write as much as possible. Two-pronged benefits: Blogging improves memory and creates a visual aid by sticking a leaflet on the board or refrigerator.

It is also important to check on elderly relatives who may have memory problems. Regular visits will help them stick to a schedule and can alert you to any unusual changes in their routine. If you are not able to visit every day, rotate this task with others. Adult and adolescent grandchildren can certainly help in this regard. Grandparents are always welcome to visit their grandchildren and are likely to be less defensive if questions need to be asked.

Routines are important for memory preservation, so keep in mind that visits to check on family members with dementia or memory loss will be very useful and will cause less confusion if they are at the same time every day. It provides a pivot around which they can plan the rest of their activities.

Understand these tips and inform your family. Following these tips will make things easier for carers and loved ones with dementia alike.