Dementia often affects memory. However, it is important to remember that everyone is unique, so not everyone with dementia will experience the same changes in memory.

Different types of dementia also affect the brain in different ways so memory might not change as much as other skills and abilities.

However, as memory is involved in so many aspects of life, changes to memory can have a profound affect.

To better understand memory, we can learn more about the mechanisms used by the brain to gather, store and retrieve information.

The human memory system is a complex one – our brain is designed to store information in different forms and access this information at the necessary time. This means that when there are changes in our memory, it won’t necessarily affect all types of memory. Also, information can only reach our memory, if we can pay attention to it and process the information using our senses. In fact, our senses form the basis for our memories – which is why even very old memories are quickly triggered by things like music, scents and tastes.

This is the memory system which is responsible for holding small amounts of information for a short time – for example reciting a phone number, until you can write it down.

Working memory allows this information to be used easily (e.g. whilst doing a calculation) but only keeps it in working memory for a brief period. If the information remains in short-term memory long enough (e.g. if you repeat the phone number over and over), it will then make the transition into long-term memory.

Memory lapses are really normal. What really differentiates between normal memory problems, as opposed to the beginnings of dementia, is the frequency at which memory lapses are starting to happen.

In the early stages of dementia, people often experience a change in their short term memory. It can become harder to recall things they have learned or done in recent hours or days. This happens because the systems for attending to, processing and storing new information have become less efficient. This can be distressing because memories are a way of anchoring us to time and place.

Long term memory tends to be preserved for much longer because older memories are more established and have been accessed many times already. This means the person with dementia may talk more about people or events in the past. At times they may feel confused about where they are in the present.

Our long-term memory storage is very sophisticated. It includes ‘explicit’ memories and ‘procedural’ memories.

Explicit memories can be grouped as ‘episodic’ (memories of events that happened to you) and ‘semantic’ memories (general knowledge about the world).

We gradually build on these memories throughout our lives, and we are able to store huge amounts of knowledge.

We tend to store memories in a more detailed form, if they are connected to strong emotions. We can try and retrieve memories from this long-term system when we need them. Cues and associated memories can help us to do this.

Our long-term memory also incorporates ‘procedural’ memory – this is not consciously accessible, but includes skills that we use everyday without thinking (e.g. driving). These memories develop after doing activities repeatedly.

There are factors which can affect how well our memory works including:

• mood
• fatigue
• illness
• pain
• stimulation level

This means memory might be worse than usual if, for example, the person with dementia has been to a busy family party or has been feeling under the weather.

This is not an exhaustive list but these are some ideas to support the person you care for if they are experiencing memory problems.

Try to continue with established routines as it takes less cognitive effort to remember things that happen at a regular time. Getting into a simple daily routine can help a person to associate tasks with times of the day (e.g. taking medication at breakfast time). A routine can also make it easier for a person to orientate themselves to the correct day.

There are lots of helpful memory aids which can support memory, including traditional types below and more modern options which use voice activated technology (e.g. Alexa). All memory aids are most effective when you get into the habit of using them regularly.

• Calendar – to record appointments, and / or cross off days.
• Whiteboard – to write reminders in a prominent place.
• Alarm – can be programmed as a prompt to do tasks (e.g. take medication, feed the cat).
• Notes (e.g. ‘remember keys!’ On front door)

Try to ensure that important items (e.g. wallet, glasses, keys) are always put in the same place. If these items are always returned to the memory place, they are less likely to be lost.

When trying to remember something, give the person the best chance of taking in the information. This means you need to reduce other distractions (e.g. radio, TV) when the person needs to concentrate on something. Discourage the person from multitasking, and encourage a focus on one task at a time. If you are trying to explain something to the person with dementia, stop whatever else you are doing and talk directly to them.

When the person with dementia has been very busy, their brain will be tired – therefore less likely to function as well as usual. Try to spread out activities, and don’t expect too much of them after a busy time. Although certain events (e.g. family parties, going to busy supermarkets) are part of everyday life, this can mean the person has to deal with a high level of stimulating information which can be quite challenging.

Memory is affected by mood, so it’s important to try and reduce things that make the person feel anxious. If they are worrying about things that they have forgotten, try to empathise, validate how they feel and remember they have more chance of remembering information, if you are both relaxed. Try to ensure the person is doing things that they enjoy, and spending time with people who make them feel happy.

Most big tasks involve a number of steps, so if a job feels overwhelming, try to give the person extra time and help them prepare for it (e.g. make lists, write out steps).

If the person is comfortable with it, you could encourage them to tell others that they struggle with their memory (e.g. ‘my memory is a bit rusty’), as this can sometimes take the pressure off in a situation, and encourage others to be more supportive.