Memory Loss and Your Loved One: What to Expect

Elderly Care in Statesville, NC – Get the Facts on Dementia and Memory Function

As people age, many seniors become more at risk for diseases that target their cognitive function and memory. Some memory loss is normal as a person gets older, as many of our bodily functions and processes tend to slow. But some diseases heavily affect a person’s brain function and memory, making it nearly impossible to live the same life they did before. Simple tasks like getting ready in the morning, household chores, and even simple errands can become confusing.

Seniors may have other things in their life that are stressful or cause grief, which may temporarily worsen any actual memory loss. On a daily basis, your parent could be isolated and lonely or unable to cook and eat healthy meals. In this case, extra help is a great benefit both to you and your senior loved one. You can hire a professional from elder care services just for this. A caregiver can come to your loved one’s home and remind them to take medications, help them bathe, cook for them and drive them to the store.

Types of Memory Loss

One of the common forms of memory loss are frontotemporal disorders. Much like Alzheimer’s diseases and other forms of dementia, frontotemporal disorders result in similar losses of memory and essential functions that the brain controls for the body.

While symptoms of frontotemporal disorders may be minor at first – small lapses in memory or regularly forgetting things, over time these symptoms can compound. Unfortunately, there is no cure for those suffering from frontotemporal disorders, and there is no way to slow the disorder down.

Treatment and Care for Memory Loss

For many, much of the battle in treating and caring for a loved one suffering from frontotemporal disorders comes from managing their behavior and providing the necessary care. Some of the many things that can help a family member or caregiver care for a loved one suffering from memory loss include:

Finding the right kind of care – Some sufferers of frontotemporal disorders may be comfortable in their homes, while others may need care in a nursing home. Depending on the symptoms and recommendations of the doctor, a loved one may need a combination of both.

Accept instead of argue – Many loved ones and even caregivers may find that a patient or relative suffering from frontotemporal disorders are unreasonable and unpredictable. Despite your best intentions, never correct or challenge a loved one. This could confuse them; make them upset, or even angry. Instead, use gentle reminders and be calm in explaining where they live or why someone is caring for them.

Other important things that can help sufferers of frontotemporal disorders are medications. As always, consult a doctor or specialist for any treatment options.