("Dementia,"
2001). Usually, dementia is associated with aging.
Most of the mental decline of aging persons is due to various diseases and/or decreased blood flow to the brain ("Aging," Encarta). 70% of people with dementia have it through Alzheimer's (Remembering Well, p. 52, s.7).
However, even healthy adults can experience memory problems. From age 25 to 65, a normal person can have a decline in memory performance by as much as 40% (Hainsworth, 2000, p.21). At least 65 % of people over 75 years old have some memory loss.
The medical term for such memory loss is Age Associated Cognitive Decline. This term replaced Age Associated Memory Impairment in 1992 to incorporate other mental ability changes that happen with normal aging as well. (Remembering Well, p.16-17)
Studies show that older
people are more likely to experience the tip
of the tongue
phenomenon, but less likely to find the word for which they are searching.
There are many contributing factors to decline in memory performance in the elderly: (Remembering Well, p.21)
- Attention - It is difficult for older people to difficult to shift focus or to do two things at once.
- Processing Time - The time it takes to process information is slower in older people.
- Attitude - The self-fulfilling prophecy would indicate that the elderly have more memory problems because they expect that most older people do. Anxiety and confidence levels will affect memory performance.
- Pain - Elders experiencing pain can have more problems paying attention due to this distraction.
- Lifestyle - If the elder is in an environment in which they must keep their mental skills sharp, they are probably more likely to retain memory skills as well.
-
Is it really forgetting that's the problem? - An older person may not be hearing or seeing something in the first place! The family, unaware of this, may assume the elder simply forgot that they told or showed him or her something.
Research indicates declining memory can be overcome. Remembering and mastering simple skills can enhance memory dramatically. The main idea is conscious remembering. Pay attention and show intention to remember. When you park the car in a parking lot or a parking garage, consciously remember where you are. When you get out of the car, look around you and try to imprint your location in your brain. Chances are, you will remember the location when you are ready to return to the car simply because you took the time to think about where you were before you left the parked car. [Hainsworth, 2000, p.22]
Use it or Lose it - Does it Work?
It is difficult to say whether the theory of exercising your brain really helps maintain your memory skills. To a degree, it does, for sure. Research definitely shows a correlation between taking part in mental activities and good memory abilities. (Remembering Well, p.31) However, it is difficult to say which causes which. (Hainsworth, 2000.p.22)
For example, does Mrs. Granger have a good memory because she keeps her brain sharp by playing bridge every night or does she go out and play bridge every night because she still has a good memory. And likewise, does her friend Ms. Horway avoid the bridge club because her memory is failing her or does she experience memory difficulties because she doesn't go to bridge club? Would going to play bridge improve her memory or would it just frustrate her more?
Warning
Dementia and memory decline are symptoms, not diagnoses. If you or someone you know is experiencing dementia, consult a physician. There may well be a greater cause of your problems and this cause may (or may not) be treatable.
Approaching an elder about his/her memory problem (Remembering Well)
- Directly - If they realize their problem or complain about it, bring it up and talk to them about it. This is the more effective way, but is not a good strategy if the issue is too sensitive.
- Indirectly - If you fear hurting the person's pride, try to approach the issue in subtle ways. (Remembering Well)
Additional Suggestions ...
- Don't embarrass or put-down the person
- Don't blame the person
- Offer memory-improving strategies - offer to try them out yourself as well
- Don't command someone by telling the person what (s)he should/must/not do ... instead say "I would like, want, fear, think, feel, etc.
