Memory Loss

• Memory Care
• When Cognitive Impairment Becomes Dementia
• Quality Care for Residents with Advanced Dementia
• Gift Ideas for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s/Dementia

Memory Care

Memory loss is common in residents/patients with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. This problem robs people of their ability to function normally, to talk and communicate with others, and to enjoy hobbies, interests, and everyday life. While you can't stop memory loss, there are medications, programs, technologies, and activities that may help slow this decline and add to dementia residents/patients' quality of life. Your physician can work with your loved one to determine what strategies - if any - might help his or her memory. As an advocate to help residents/patients stay as healthy and happy as possible, the physician can work with you to find useful programs or activities that may exercise your loved one's mind and memory.

AMDA physicians in regions throughout the country have information and guidance on this topic. You can listen to practitioners offer key points about memory care and how you and your doctor can help make the right decisions about what treatments might be best for your loved one.*

Alva "Buzz" S. Baker, MD, CMD	Maryland
Lory E. Bright-Long, MD, CMD	New York
Charles A. Crecelius, MD, PhD, CMD	Missouri
Peter A. Kovalszki, MD, CMD	Michigan
Barbara Messinger-Rapport, MD, CMD	Ohio
Alec Pruchnicki, MD	New York
Eric Tangalos, MD, CMD	Minnesota
*Requires a program that plays MP3 audio files

"Caring for Consumers” clip and copy advice sheets, designed for residents/patients, family members, and future consumers of long term care services, include an introduction to the topic, tips for addressing the issue and enhancing care, a list of questions to ask the physician, and a list of additional resources. Feel free to print and use when speaking to your family and physician.

You Can Do Something About Memory Loss

When Cognitive Impairment Becomes Dementia

Cognitive impairment in an elderly person is a cause for concern. However, an individual can live and function with this condition, even when it is the start of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In fact, AD usually begins with mild cognitive impairment, which is more than just the normal ‘senior moments’ and occasional forgetfulness that people experience as they age. At the same time, the first sign of AD may be mild behavioral symptoms, particularly apathy and functional declines - such as mom isn’t bathing or eating normally. Your physician can work with you and your loved one to determine how severe the cognitive impairment is and if/when treatment is needed. Then, your doctor can recommend the best course of treatment and help you find ways to keep your loved one safe and happy, even as AD advances.

AMDA physicians in regions throughout the country have information and guidance on this topic. You can listen to practitioners offer insights about when cognitive impairment becomes dementia and what you can do to keep your cognitively impaired loved one safe, happy, and functioning as well as possible for as long as possible.*

Alva "Buzz" S. Baker, MD, CMD	Maryland
Lory E. Bright-Long, MD, CMD	New York
Charles A. Crecelius, MD, PhD, CMD	Missouri
Peter A. Kovalszki, MD, CMD	Michigan
Barbara Messinger-Rapport, MD, CMD	Ohio
Alec Pruchnicki, MD	New York
Eric Tangalos, MD, CMD	Minnesota
*Requires a program that plays MP3 audio files

"Caring for Consumers" clip and copy advice sheets, designed for residents/patients, family members, and future consumers of long term care services, include an introduction to the topic, tips for addressing the issue and enhancing care, a list of questions to ask the physician, and a list of additional resources. Feel free to print and use when speaking to your family and physician.

When Is Memory Loss Alzheimer's Disease

Quality Care for Patients with Advanced Dementia

Late stage—or advanced—dementia can be hard for family members to understand. It is painful to watch as a loved one shows common signs of this condition, such as sleeping a lot, not talking, not recognizing familiar faces, having problems eating or refusing to eat, the need for total care, infections, seizures, weight loss, and pressure sores. Families often do not know about the pros and cons of various medical treatments and don't know what is best for their ailing loved one. Fortunately, the physician is your partner in care and can help make sure that a person with advanced dementia gets the best possible treatments and enjoys comfort and quality of life at this trying time.

AMDA physicians in regions throughout the country have information and guidance on this topic. You can listen to practitioners offer key points about advanced dementia and how you and your doctor can help your loved one with this condition.*

Mario Cornacchione, DO, CMD	Pennsylvania
Robert L. Hunter, DO, CMD	Ohio
Jeffery A. Kerr, DO, CMD	Missouri
Jonathan Musher, MD, CMD	Maryland
Karl E. Steinberg, MD, CMD	California
*Requires a program that plays MP3 audio files

"Caring for Consumers" clip and copy advice sheets, designed for residents/patients, family members, and future consumers of long term care services, include an introduction to the topic, tips for addressing the issue and enhancing care, a list of questions to ask the physician, and a list of additional resources. Feel free to print and use when speaking to your family and physician.

Hope, Help for People with Advanced Dementia

Gift Ideas for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s/Dementia

For a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other form of dementia, family members and friends oftentimes struggle with appropriate gift items.

Brookdale Senior Living, one of the leading providers of senior living residences in the nation, including Alzheimer’s and dementia care, offers these suggestions:

• A listening device with recordings of favorite songs;
• Framed enlargements of family pictures;
• A picture scrapbook of the loved one’s life, work, awards, and more;
• A photo album filled with pictures of past fun family activities;
• A personal reminisce/life enrichment box with contributions from all family members, based on the person’s specific interests;
• Recorded Bible readings, sermons or poetry;
• Lotions, creams, or favorite scent;
• A music box;
• A therapeutic photo memory quilt or fidget quilt, such as the ones at www.patchworkmemoryquilts.com;
• A favorite dessert or treat;
• A leisurely stroll through a favorite place;
• A visit to a local church;
• A drive to see the holiday lights;
• A new pillow, sheet set or comforter;
• Soft lap blankets;
• Large print books;
• Soft, fuzzy nightwear or slippers; and
• Holiday decorations to decorate their door or apartment.

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