Memory Loss and Dementia

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 someone’s memory loss is a sign of dementia?

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

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

If the person you know has been having any of these symptoms for a while, or it has been affecting their life in a serious way, you should encourage them to visit their doctor. You could offer to go with them. Their doctor will be able to find out if their memory loss might be a sign of something more serious, and talk them through the types of support that could help.

Tips for dealing with memory loss

• Support the person you care about to make a daily routine, so there is a pattern to when they do things
• Encourage them to use a diary or calendar
• Help them to focus on one thing at a time and try not to multitask
• Support them to get rid of any clutter in their house. You might want to think about putting labels on cupboards, so they can easily tell what’s in them

One of the most important things you can do is just to be there for them to talk to about their memory loss and how they are feeling. It can be very upsetting to think that someone you know might have dementia, so don’t forget to look after yourself too. 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.
  • Adult Care Cases large-scale reminiscence kits designed to encourage interaction and communication with groups of people living with dementia or adults with learning difficulties. They can be used in care homes, day centres or community settings. Each case includes multiple DVDs/CDs, books, ephemera and reminiscence activities in a wheeled suitcase. Free to borrow for up to 12 weeks, but only available to people working/volunteering in group settings (using a separate library card for this purpose.)
• 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)