For the past few years, I've been a caregiver for individuals with memory loss. I have found the journey both challenging and intriguing. I've written a lot about the challenges and less about the intrigue. When my mom was alive and experiencing increasing memory loss and dementia, she exhibited a lack of awareness or acceptance of the memory loss. I never had a conversation with my mom about her experience of memory loss. Instead I learned about that loss via her actions, and responded accordingly.
As another loved one experiences memory loss, it is a very different situation. He is fully aware that he is loosing his ability to remember or process complex information. He expresses frustration at his changed abilities. His memory of the past is accurate and specific. We actually discuss these changes and work together to create strategies to deal with the changes.
I'm not surprised at the difference between these two people as in many ways it fits their personalities. Mom preferred avoiding bad news rather than accepting it, and as my other loved one acknowledges, he is a practical person who is more apt to face a situation as it is.
So as I support my loved one in ways that I can, I find myself researching the best strategies for slowing down memory loss. The list below is helpful.
And because my loved one already had many of these life ways in place, it's not difficult to encourage this healthy lifestyle.
In the new year, I'll use this list as a guide as I support my loved one in order to slow down the memory loss and contribute to as much good living as possible. Onward.