Recognizing and Managing Memory Challenges in Cognitive Decline

How To Recognize And Manage Memory Challenges Associated With Cognitive Decline

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 55 million people worldwide live with dementia, with 10 million new cases emerging annually. Cognitive decline encompasses a range of progressive neurological conditions that affect thinking, behavior, and memory function.

Memory difficulties represent one of the most challenging symptoms of cognitive decline, creating significant hurdles for individuals experiencing these changes and those who support them. As cognitive function deteriorates, memory challenges typically intensify, further disrupting daily functioning. Recognizing the signs of memory loss related to cognitive decline can help family members and support persons manage symptoms and develop appropriate care plans. This article explores key indicators of memory difficulties associated with cognitive decline and discusses supportive approaches that may help manage symptoms and related distress.

Identifying signs of memory challenges in cognitive decline

Several indicators may suggest someone is experiencing memory difficulties related to cognitive decline. These signs can affect various aspects of memory function, including:

Challenges with recent information

Individuals experiencing cognitive decline often struggle with forming new memories, particularly those involving recent information. For instance, someone might forget an address they just received, instructions they were recently given, or information from a conversation that just occurred. This can lead to repeated questions about the same topics, as the person doesn’t recall receiving the information previously. Family members might also notice their loved one frequently misplacing belongings or forgetting recent events and appointments.

Retrieval difficulties

As cognitive decline progresses, retrieving established memories becomes increasingly challenging. This affects recall of long-known information, such as family members’ names, home address, or how to operate familiar household items. In advanced stages, individuals may lose access to certain memories entirely. When this occurs, a person might become disoriented even in familiar settings. This disorientation can cause frustration and confusion, both for the individual and their support network. For example, someone might become lost in their own neighborhood because they can’t recall where they live.

Altered time awareness

Cognitive decline often disrupts a person’s perception of time. This manifests as confusion about the current day, month, season, or year. Individuals may also struggle to understand time’s passage, not recognizing how long it’s been since certain events or how much time they’ve spent in particular locations. This can create difficulties with planning and adhering to schedules. For example, someone might believe they just ate when it’s actually been several hours, or think a significant event from years ago happened recently.

Difficulty with recognition

Memory challenges can also affect how individuals interact with and recognize others. Someone experiencing cognitive decline might have trouble recognizing familiar faces, making it difficult to identify family members and friends. They might also stop mid-sentence during conversations, use incorrect words, or refer to specific objects with general terms (such as calling a smartphone a “device” or soup a “meal”).

Supportive approaches for memory challenges

If you notice memory difficulties in a loved one, consulting with their healthcare provider for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations is essential. For those already diagnosed with conditions causing cognitive decline, regular medical appointments can provide guidance on supporting them as symptoms evolve.

While many conditions causing cognitive decline are progressive with no current cure, certain approaches may help manage symptoms like memory loss in some cases. Therapeutic interventions can provide valuable emotional support, both for individuals experiencing cognitive decline and their care partners.

Therapeutic approaches

Several therapeutic approaches can help address memory challenges and support overall well-being:

• Cognitive rehabilitation therapy helps individuals work on specific memory-related skills. This often focuses on everyday activities such as completing household tasks, using appliances, operating phones, or managing medications. Sessions frequently take place in familiar environments to facilitate direct application of skills.

  Cognitive rehabilitation includes two approaches: restorative rehabilitation, which aims to improve specific skills or restore lost functions, and compensatory rehabilitation, which helps individuals develop workarounds for abilities affected by cognitive decline.

• Reminiscence therapy and life story work focus on recalling memories of people, places, and significant life events. This approach recognizes that while short-term memory is often significantly impacted by cognitive decline, long-term memory may remain more accessible for longer periods. These therapies stimulate established memories and can create positive emotional experiences.

  These approaches may improve cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being for individuals with mild to moderate cognitive decline. They can also reduce tension between individuals and their care partners, improve functional abilities, and potentially reduce symptoms of co-occurring conditions like depression.

• Cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) involves activities designed to promote mental and social engagement. Group sessions are common due to the importance of socialization for those experiencing cognitive decline. CST sessions are typically personalized to participants’ interests. For example, if group members enjoy discussing music or cooking, activities might focus on recalling details about these topics.

Support for care partners

Supporting someone with cognitive decline can be challenging in numerous ways. Managing evolving symptoms and care needs while balancing other life responsibilities and processing complex emotions like frustration and grief can be overwhelming. Professional support from a therapist can be invaluable. A therapist can provide a safe space to express concerns, help identify and process complicated emotions, and guide the development of healthy coping strategies.

Telehealth therapy for cognitive challenges and caregiver support

For many people, attending in-person therapy sessions presents significant barriers. Some individuals may feel uncomfortable discussing personal challenges face-to-face. Others might struggle to find providers in their area, secure appointments that accommodate their schedules, or find time to travel to and from appointments. In these situations, telehealth therapy—connecting with a licensed clinical social worker via video sessions from any location with internet access—offers a convenient alternative.

Effectiveness of telehealth therapy

Research indicates that telehealth therapy can be as effective as in-person services for many conditions. This delivery model provides the same quality of care with added convenience, making mental health support more accessible to those who might otherwise go without services.

At ReachLink, our licensed clinical social workers are experienced in supporting individuals and families navigating the challenges of cognitive decline. Through secure video sessions, we provide evidence-based therapeutic approaches that address both the practical and emotional aspects of memory challenges.

Whether you’re experiencing cognitive changes yourself or supporting someone who is, reaching out for professional support can make a significant difference in quality of life and emotional well-being. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, accessible care that meets you where you are—both literally and figuratively—in your journey.