An Intro to Memory Loss, Confusion in Under 10 Minutes

Dementia Meaning

Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a group of symptoms.

According to https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/memory-loss-in-dementia "People with dementia will often experience difficulties with their memory, which interfere with their day-to-day activities. This memory loss is often due to damage in a part of the brain called the hippocampus, which plays a very important role in day-to-day memory."

People with dementia may have difficulties finding the right word in a conversation. They may also struggle with remembering the names of items or people. They may:

• struggle to find the right word in a conversation (for example saying shoe instead of a chair) or seem stuck because the word is ‘on the tip of their tongue’

• struggle to remember the meaning of words

• forget people’s names even if they know them well

The Alzheimer Association (https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/memory-loss-confusion ) said :

In the later stages, memory loss becomes far more severe. A person may not recognize family members, may forget relationships, call family members by other names, or become confused about the location of the home or the passage of time. He or she may forget the purpose of common items, such as a pen or a fork. These changes are some of the most painful for caregivers and families.

How to respond

• Stay calm. Although being called by a different name or not being recognized can be painful, try not to make your hurt apparent.

• Respond with a brief explanation. Don't overwhelm the person with lengthy statements or reasons. Instead, clarify with a simple explanation.

• Show photos and other reminders. Use photographs and other thought-provoking items to remind the person of important relationships and places.

• Offer corrections as suggestions. Avoid explanations that sound like scolding. Try: "I thought it was a fork" or, "I think she is your granddaughter Julie."

• Try not to take it personally. Alzheimer's disease causes your loved one to forget, but your support and understanding will continue to be appreciated.

Diagnosis of dementia

There is no one test to determine if someone has dementia. Doctors diagnose Alzheimer's and other types of dementia based on a careful medical history, a physical examination, laboratory tests, and the characteristic changes in thinking, day-to-day function, and behavior associated with each type.