Many of us start to worry when we realize that our loved ones are starting to become much more forgetful. Could it possibly mean that it is Alzheimer’s disease or dementia? It is normal to forget dates or places once in a while but if your loved ones are having problems remembering how to do essential daily routines like using their phones or driving, it may be a sign that they are at the early stages of dementia. If they have problems following instructions and are getting more confused about people, time, and places, do consult a doctor when necessary. When their forgetfulness starts to affect their quality of life, they will need more assistance doing mundane daily activities. Going for memory care programs will aid in their recovery and can be a form of preventive care. Here are some ways to deal with forgetfulness.
Learning A New Skill
Learning a new skill is a great way to get their minds stimulated and engaged. When they learn something they enjoy like arts and crafts, gaming, and music, they will be more interested to connect and engage with others. When they learn new skills, the blood that flows through the brain increases and establishes more connections in the brain. These connections help an individual remember things and the stronger the connections they are, the better the memory will be embedded in their minds. It is important for older adults to try learning something new to pass their time. When they do, their mind is engaged constantly which reduces the risk of dementia or cognitive impairments.
Spending Time With Loved Ones
Spending time with the people you love can encourage older adults to keep themselves mentally fit. Establishing strong relationships reminds older adults that they are cared for and loved, which motivates them to be more healthy and responsible for their own health. When they spend time with their loved ones, levels of anxiety and depression decrease. Conversations require older adults to remember and process information that keeps their brains stimulated.
Support Groups
Having a support group filled with people with common interests and abilities make older adults feel as though they are not alone. These support groups can be religious or part of the memory care program. Memory care programs are a great way to support your loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease! These programs recognize the efforts of your loved ones by emphasizing their strengths and not their weaknesses, encouraging physical and mental exercises, and motivating them to participate actively in many daily activities. These people in the program are like-minded and can encourage your loved ones throughout the process of recovery. These memory care programs are personalized based on the needs of your loved ones to improve their quality of life for them. The nurses are trained continuously with specialized training and education to better meet their needs. Memory care program aims to restore certain parts of their lives that have been affected by their cognitive impairment but at the same time, preserve the parts which are still doing very well.