Memory Joggers
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are both noted for their progressive memory loss – but there are many simple steps that can be taken to help with attention and memory recall especially in the early stages. Below are 10 suggestions or “memory joggers” that will make recalling things just that little bit easier.
1. The first thing to remember is that everyone has memory lapses (some more than others!), and at one time or another we have all gone into a room only to have forgotten why – and then to have remembered once again after we have left and gone elsewhere! The reason I mention this is this; as you will recall the more you got stressed at the time about trying to remember, the worse the situation became and the harder it was to recall what it was you were after. The same is true for those that you may be caring for. Therefore, avoid rushing or putting pressure on either yourself (in future!) or the family member or friend you may be caring for as this only makes the situation worse and makes remembering that much harder.
2. Focus on one activity at a time and keep to it until it is complete. To misquote an old proverb “a job completed by hand is worth two in the bush (or future!).
3. Buy a notebook, diary and pen for yourself, relative or friend to write down important information, conversations, shopping lists, things to do or instructions.
This can also be kept by the telephone so that messages / conversations can be written down as they take place and important information will not be forgotten (also keep important telephone numbers by the ‘phone so that they are always in easy reach.
4. Using your notebook (or a wipe clean blackboard or whiteboard) it is also useful to leave notes, messages and reminders behind (if you are a carer) when you are going out informing your loved one of where you are going, why you are going and when you will return.
5. Keep a visible watch or clock (with a large face for easy viewing) and calendar so that changes in the day, date, month and year can be noted and recorded. Use the calendar to make a note of all the important dates, anniversaries, appointments etc. which once recorded can then be used as a reminder. Cross out or mark off the days as they pass to keep a visual record of the time, date, seasons etc.
6. Make sure that you get a daily newspaper and then throw out the old ones. This will help you to keep track of the days and establish a routine whilst keeping your mind active – and you never know you may always find something of interest in it as well!
7. It is possible to get pill dispensers or holders for tablets that also have the days of the weeks and times on them – this is again another useful way to keep track of time but more importantly they can be vital in helping the sufferer keep track of taking the right pill at the right time.
It is also possible to either set an alarm clock / radio or purchase an electronic reminder to sound at the appropriate time for medications to be taken – again handy for establishing a daily routine.
8. There is nothing wrong with routine, doing things in the same order or by habit and using check-lists if necessary as this helps to keep up some independence and self reliance wherever possible.
9. Tidy up and remove any junk from cupboards, work surfaces and drawers (I believe they call this de-cluttering or being “minimalistic”!) as this helps to minimise confusion for those being cared for. Avoid re-organising familiar things as this may create confusion and try to keep keys, glasses, money, remote controls etc. in the same place as this helps establish a routine and a pattern of knowing where the most common objects are.
10. Label all drawers and cupboards so that the person you are caring for knows where important things are kept. Make sure that you keep each item in one place as this helps establish a routine. Don’t hide things (also known as “putting things in a safe place”) as it may cause confusion.
So there you have ten easy steps to help with memory recall – make sure you read my other articles (or my book The Alzheimer’s alternative) to see what other steps, supplements and techniques you can use to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
