Embracing Change: Navigating Memory Shifts Gracefully

Memory shifts can easily affect an individual’s daily life in numerous ways. This problem may occur as a result of the natural aging process or medical conditions like dementia, hydrocephalus, and Alzheimer’s. Major stressful or traumatic life events may also cause memory issues.

Regardless of the cause of the memory changes, it is important to know how to manage life afterwards.  This post will share essential tools, strategies, and resources to help individuals manage forgetfulness and boost their memory.

Create Routines

An ideal way to deal with memory loss is to develop routines that make it easier to remember vital tasks and appointments. Many seniors do not want others to know they are navigating memory changes. After all, memory loss can affect a person’s quality of life, daily routines, well-being, and relationships.

Luckily, the affected person does not need to bother friends and family. They can use a reminder application or phone calendar to set notifications for appointments, medication, and other essentials. Appropriate apps can help create repeating events and reminders to ensure nothing slips through the mind easily.

Practice Mindfulness

Another effective way to cope with forgetfulness is to practice mindfulness. This technique improves focus, making it easier for seniors to retain information. Some standard mindfulness practices, like deep breathing exercises and meditation, can boost memory. When individuals train themselves to focus on the present moment, it becomes easier to minimize anxiety and boost cognitive functions.

So, people with memory challenges should spare five to ten minutes every morning to practice short mindfulness exercises or deep breathing. This makes it easier to clear the mind and set intentions for the day. Even applications like Calm and Headspace can provide mindfulness workouts that can help reduce stress-related memory loss.

Prioritize Environmental Rearrangement

This strategy entails changing the surroundings to make it easier for someone to remember things easily. Memory is usually related to attention, so a person is more likely to remember something once they shift their attention.

For example, many people like keeping dirty clothes in a laundry basket. But if one wants to remember to bring some of the clothes to a dry cleaner, they might need to place the clothes near the front of the door. This will shift their attention to them before leaving the house.

Use Organizers and Memory Aids

Lists, organizers, and visual cues play a vital role in helping one keep track of important information. For instance, digital and physical calendars can help a person keep track of all tasks, events, and appointments. Using sticky notes, a whiteboard, or labels to showcase important information helps one remember what to do.

Use Mobile Phones

Phones contain many tools and functions that can assist with memory loss. One of the mobile features that enhances memory is the speed dial, which makes it easier to make calls without remembering the numbers. People who struggle with forgetfulness can also take photos or videos using the camera function to record information or important tasks. They can also rely on the alarm function to know when to do a specific task and the calendar to keep track of appointments.

Each person’s experience with memory shifts is unique, so strategies that work for one person may not work for another. As such, it is important to keep these strategies in mind and seek professional help to address the memory loss concerns. People with memory loss should also seek medical interventions when necessary.