How to Care for the Elderly With Memory Loss

Unfortunately, one of the hard realities of aging is the loss of one's memory. Every year, geriatric caregivers must take on the responsibility of caring for the elderly who have some form of memory loss, be it short term, long term or the onset of some degree of dementia or even Alzheimer's disease. If you are caring for an elderly person with memory loss, it can be challenging, but proper information can help you cope with the difficulties associated with this task.

Things You'll Need

• Mental stimulants/brain games
• Geriatric medical specialist
• Prescription for memory loss prevention drugs

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Instructions

• 1

  Be patient with your loved one. As a caregiver, you have to remember that he cannot remember, so it can be frustrating when he asks you the same thing over and over again, like, "What day is it?" or "Where are my socks?" or "Who are you?" when you've already answered the same question eight times before breakfast.

• 2

  Do some research to learn more about the causes of memory loss in the elderly so that you can try to intervene (with a loved one) early on. The earlier you approach the issue and make her aware of the impending symptoms of her ailment (dementia, Alzheimer's, mild cognitive impairment), the less likely she will fall into denial and refuse to get the help she will need later.

• 3

  Take your elderly loved one to see a geriatric medical specialist regularly. These specialists can recognize early symptoms and can diagnose memory loss and even prescribe drugs, such as Aricept (Donepezil), to help slow any future memory loss. A geriatrics doctor will be able to provide the most accurate diagnoses given his specialty medical training.

• 4

  Spend quality time with your loved one. Many elderly people are alone, and lack of a partner or companion can lead to depression. Mental stimuli such as brain games like crossword puzzles or sudoku can help keep them mentally fit, delaying memory loss or the onset of Alzheimer's and dementia. Watch Jeopardy or play Trivial Pursuit together. Even encourage her to enroll in some college courses.