Memory Loss and Dementia

Are you forgetting things often?

A lot of people worry about their memory as they get older. A bit of forgetfulness and taking longer to learn new things are a normal part of ageing for most people. It’s also common to be much more forgetful than you usually are if you are feeling stressed or low.

How do I know if memory loss is a sign of dementia?

Dementia is different to the normal memory loss that happens as we get older. Some signs that your memory loss might be more than just normal ageing and might be a problem are:

• If you have been finding it difficult to remember things for over a month, and not just when you have been feeling low or stressed.
• If you have been feeling confused and need help to do daily tasks.
• If you are finding it difficult to understand when people are talking to you.
• Getting lost in places that you know well.
• Acting differently to normal.
• If you have stopped taking care of what you are eating and stopped keeping yourself clean.

If you have been having any of these symptoms for a while, or it has been affecting your life in a serious way, you should visit your doctor. You could ask a friend, family member or carer to go with you. Your doctor will be able to find out if your memory loss might be a sign of something more serious and talk you through the types of support that could help you.

Find out more about dementia in this video from the Royal College of Psychiatry:

Tips for dealing with memory loss:

• Make a daily routine for yourself, so there is a pattern to when you do things.
• Use a diary or calendar.
• Try to focus on one thing at a time. Try not to multitask.
• Get rid of any clutter in your house. You might want to think about putting labels on cupboards, so you can easily tell what’s in them.

Make sure you talk to someone about your memory loss and how you are feeling. They might have some helpful ideas, or they could accompany you to visit your doctor. Never be worried about asking for help and support, you are not alone.

Useful resources at your local library to support those with dementia:

Nottinghamshire County Inspire Libraries:

• Dementia Reminiscence
  • Memory Lane Bags to encourage interaction and communication between people living with dementia, their families, friends and carers. Each Memory Lane Bag is themed and contains a selection of objects, two books, a CD or DVD, photographs or ephemera on a specific theme. Free to borrow with a library card.
• Dementia Friendly and Relaxed film screenings – Tickets for only £1

Nottingham City Libraries:

• • Memory Packs – themed reminiscence packs on topics such as holidays, work, particular decades etc., usually including a mix of books, images, audio/visual stimuli or a jigsaw. These can be requested for collection at any City Library.

Photo archives: these photographic archives are a great tool for reminiscence with thousands of photographs, free to browse.

• • Picture Nottingham (Nottingham City)
  • Inspire Picture Archive (Nottinghamshire County)