Navigating Dementia with Effective Memory Strategies
As a speech-language pathologist and Certified Dementia Practitioner, I am often the first professional to formally assess an individual's memory and cognitive function when decline is suspected. I have had the privilege of working with numerous individuals living with dementia and their caretakers. In this article, I will frequently refer to people living with dementia as “PWD."
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by a significant decline in memory and other cognitive abilities which disrupt daily life (What Is Dementia? [1] ). In addition to impairing cognitive functions, dementia may also impact physical movement, spatial and temporal orientation, bodily awareness, and eating habits. My objective is to educate individuals and their families by providing strategies to support memory, promote social interaction, and reduce frustration.
Below, I have written some of my most frequently used strategies. Which strategies to utilize depends on the preferences of the individual and their families, as well as the severity of dementia. If someone you love is showing early signs of dementia, I recommend you keep a written list of your observations and accompany them to their next doctor’s appointment.
Dementia Tips and Strategies:
Speak in short, simple sentences
Use a pill organization box to sort medications
Put a bright colored piece of tape on frequently used items such as remotes, phones, keys, and notebooks to make them easier to see
Use a planner
Encourage the PWD to use a notebook style planner that shows the month and has individual entries for each day. This can help promote both short/long term memory and planning.
Keep a specific space for all frequently used items
Reduce clutter! Try to cut back on the number of loose items on surfaces such as tables, countertops, nightstands, and sinks.
Avoid open ended questions
Asking questions such as, “What do you want for dinner?” can be difficult for an PWD since word finding ability is reduced overall. Providing 2 options can help. Asking, “Would you like soup or a salad?” helps their brain access that language more easily. Ask yes/ no questions. Start broad and work your way toward more specific questions. I once figured out where a patient grew up, what he previously did for work, and information about his childhood through yes/no questions. His wife corroborated the information I gathered. This goes to show that many PWD don’t completely forget information (though this can and does happen with progression), they just need support finding the words to say it.
Create a memory book and/or wallet
Use a photo album or binder for the book. Write favorite, specific memories and include pictures to go with them. I also like to add “chapters” dedicated to each immediate family member or close friend. You can also add a family tree.
For the wallet, you can punch holes through smaller pieces of paper and fasten them together.
The idea of a wallet is to assist the PWD with recall of personal information when they are out of the house. Include name, address, phone number, emergency contact information, birthday, medications, etc.
Labels and notes
Write the names of people pictured in photos either directly onto the image, or onto painter’s/masking tape that can be placed on the image.
Put pictures and labels on the front of cabinets and drawers to identify what is in them.
When riding in a car, write your destination on a Post-It note and place it in front of the PWD. This can help them remember where they are going.
Name tags and introductions
Sometimes, a PWD can recognize a familiar person, but they have too much difficulty with word finding to think of their name. Depending on the severity of dementia, I recommend all family and friends start conversation by somewhat re-introducing yourself. Try saying, “Hi! It’s (your name), how are you?”
DO NOT SAY - “Do you remember me? What’s my name?” This causes an unnecessary amount of pressure and embarrassment. These feelings will discourage them from participating in conversation and can lead to social isolation.
If dementia is more severe, try wearing nametags around the individual. This can be helpful during the holidays when spending time in groups with people they may not frequently see.
Use favorite songs and scents
Playing favorite songs can be an excellent way to support memory and provide enjoyment for PWD. Additionally, lighting candles or using essential oil diffusers with their preferred scents can help create or enhance a calming environment.
Tips for clothing changes
Reduce the number of clothing items in the PWD’s closet to prevent overwhelming them and offer only two choices at a time. If there's a risk of them leaving the home unsupervised, reduce their shoe options and keep a photo of the tread.
PWD often struggle with task initiation due to difficulty “planning out” how to perform a task. This means they may find it challenging to start a task without first observing someone else do it. Show the PWD how clothes should be worn by holding them up to yourself, and then against the individual.
Compliment how the item looks or feels and use sensory descriptions. If needed, present it as a new gift. Presentation is key!
These are some of the memory strategies I have implemented with PWD and their caretakers. I strongly encourage all families impacted by dementia to seek the guidance of a speech-language pathologist for individualized strategies and problem solving. Early diagnosis, treatment, and education can help compensate for memory and cognitive changes. While dementia poses significant challenges, using effective strategies can lead to a more fulfilling and connected life.
[1] "What's Dementia?" Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer’s Association, https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-dementia. Accessed 25 Aug. 2024.