While dementia and Alzheimer’s disease can be crippling conditions, there are plenty of ways to help loved ones handle these diagnoses. There are some common memory care treatments such as helpful medications, popular memory care therapies, and even making minor adjustments to daily life that can assist with these conditions. With the help of loved ones and a team of professional staff working together, patients can still have an engaging and joyous life.
Common Memory Care Medications
While these medications are not a cure for memory conditions such as Alzheimer’s, they can help reduce symptoms.
Donepezil (Aricept):
Approved to treat all stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Galantamine (Razadyne):
Approved for mild-to-moderate stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Rivastigmine (Exelon):
Approved for mild-to-moderate stages of both Alzheimer’s and dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Memantine (Namenda):
Memantine has been approved for treatment of moderate-to-severe cases of Alzheimer’s disease. This medication is used to improve brain functions that impact learning and memory and help patients perform daily activities. Additionally, a combination of memantine and donepezil (Namzaric) is also available.
Popular Memory Care Therapies
Over the years, many memory care therapies have been developed to help patients cope with memory loss conditions. These therapies aim to stimulate the mind and improve their cognitive skills while providing a safe and soothing environment.
Occupational Therapy:
Occupational therapists can help make your home a safer place as well as teach individuals and loved ones to cope with memory loss. They’ll also be able to help prevent any accidents and manage behavior.
Environment Modification:
This procedure aims to reduce any clutter and unnecessary noise in order to improve focus and concentration. This also means getting rid of or hiding any objects that could potentially cause harm to patients such as knives and car keys.
Simplify Tasks:
Breaking down everyday tasks into simple and easy to follow steps will increase focus and reduce confusion, which can result in frustration and anger.
Reminiscence Therapy:
Reminiscing over past memories with loved ones can improve their mood and memory functions.
Music Therapy:
By playing familiar music they will recognize, individuals can improve their memory functions as well as reduce stress levels, agitation, and result in overall better moods.
Video Therapy:
Through video therapy, seniors’ minds are stimulated through colors, shapes, and faces. Just like reminiscence therapy, this can also bring back familiar places and moments for them to enjoy.
Pet Therapy:
By interacting with pets such as cats and dogs, seniors can enjoy their company, which can result in improved moods while also reducing stress and depression.
Aromatherapy:
Engaging senior’s senses, aromatherapy can provide a soothing environment for seniors to enjoy and relax while stimulating their scent and mind.
Art Therapy:
Focusing on the process of creating art can be a stress reliever for patients as they let their creative abilities show, improving cognitive skills.
Lifestyle Changes to Cope With Memory Care
Making minimal changes to everyday life can prove to be beneficial to seniors suffering from memory loss conditions.
Diet Change:
Focusing on healthy foods will improve both mental and physical wellness among seniors who suffer from memory loss.
Exercise:
Partaking in even minimal exercising such as walking or gardening will engage the mind and improve brain functions. While all exercises should be safe and supervised, staying active can reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.
Establish a Nightly Ritual:
Since symptoms can usually worsen at night it is recommended to develop a nightly routine to begin to wind down and introduce a calming environment without any distractions.
Keep Organized:
By keeping a calendar, seniors will be able to remember when to take medications, any activities planned for the day, and keep upcoming events in mind.
Memory Care at South Coast Post Acute
South Coast Post Acute is one of southern California’s top-tier post-acute facilities with a specialty in memory care. Our services are designed to engage with patients going through dementia in a safe and healthy environment. To achieve this, we focus on three aspects of care: diet, customized medications, and effective care techniques. Contact us today to learn more.