How to Address Memory Loss When Your Mom’s Embarrassed

After the age of 45, the CDC says one in nine adults deal with some level of memory loss. Of those, half find it affects their daily activities. Some forget to take medications as prescribed. Others find their memory loss impacts their home’s cleanliness. Others find it harder to cook meals when memory loss is present.

When it happens, it is embarrassing. Your mom is embarrassed and tries to hide things from you. That’s normal. Don’t accuse or blame her. Learn how to best address her memory loss in a way that ensures she keeps you informed.

Repeat Information When Necessary

Your mom has already asked you the same question three times. You’re getting tired of answering it. Don’t tell her she’s asked you already. Simply answer it again. It may seem redundant to you, but it keeps her from becoming upset. If she’s upset, she’s likely to lash out verbally and lead to an argument.

Give Her Space to Come Up With Things on Her Own

While you want to make sure your mom has the answers she needs, do give her time to try to come up with the information on her own. If she can’t remember a specific word, don’t jump in and complete her sentence. Give her a little time to try to come up with the word on her own.

The same is true of activities. She wants to clean the counters, but she’s forgetting which product is best. Give her a simple cue to find the right bottle and let her do the rest. If she cleans with the disinfectant in a blue bottle, tell her she needs the blue bottle and see if she’ll find it. If not, set it out for her and let her spray it onto the counter and wipe it off.

Accompany Her to Her Doctor’s Office

Accompany her to her doctor’s office for a check-up. The doctor may say it’s normal and that everyone forgets things from time to time. That’s true, but you’ll have a good idea if these slips seem normal or not. If memory loss affects how well your mom can complete daily activities, you want a referral to a neurologist.

If your mom is diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or one of the forms of dementia, medications can help slow some of the symptoms. Your mom should have the option to use medications if her neurologist feels it’s worthwhile.

Arrange Help for Her

Senior care services are important when memory loss is tied to dementia. Your mom needs to acclimate to caregivers as soon as she can. She needs help preparing meals and keeping her house clean. She needs help remembering to take prescription medications. Call a senior care agency for more information.

Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/aging/data/infographic/cognitive-decline.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Temecula, CA, please contact the caring staff at Innovative Healthcare Consultants today. Call us at (760) 731-1334.​​