April 25, 2019

Aging Happens! Here’s How to Talk With Your Loved One About Memory Lapses

Get your parent the help they need with sensitivity and reassurance

senior couple

For the third time this week, your mom is fixated on finding the doily she sold at the garage sale five years ago. You think, “Maybe it’s time to talk with an aging specialist.”

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

It’s time, according to geriatric medicine physician Ardeshir Hashmi, MD.

It’s never too early to slow memory loss

“Research tells us that earlier intervention is critical to preserving memory and independence,” Dr. Hashmi says. “Lifestyle changes are vital but need time to take effect, so the key is getting started early.”

Medications may help, but they’re only 2% of the solution. Their job is mostly to stop memory problems from getting worse.

The other 98% is making lifestyle adjustments. These brain-healthy modifications can improve memory:

  • Aerobic activity
  • Socialization
  • Eating a healthy diet, like the Mediterranean diet
  • Finding a sense of purpose
  • Getting enough quality sleep

How to address memory problems with your loved one

Your loved one may not have noticed any memory problems. But if you’re concerned, it’s time to act. Dr. Hashmi recommends these strategies:

Advertisement

Provide reassurance. A big fear is that memory changes are indicative of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. But that’s not necessarily the case.

“Reassure your parent that you forget things, too, and emphasize that the only way to get answers is to visit a geriatrician,” Dr. Hashmi suggests. “You can even downplay the memory stuff. Tell them the doctor will provide a comprehensive exam where brain health is only one component.”

Focus on the positive. Losing their independence is likely another of your parent’s biggest concerns. Present a visit with a geriatrician as a way to ensure long-term independence.

Dr. Hashmi suggests phrases like, “This is important because I want you to remain in your home like you are now.”

And alleviate your parent’s concerns about having to take yet more medications with statements like, “We don’t want you to be on more meds than you need, and medication probably isn’t even necessary. But let’s see what options are available to help preserve your thinking and memory.”

Your parent might even leave the visit with less medication than they go in with. “Taking away medications which might be impairing memory is often part of the solution,” Dr. Hashmi adds.

Advertisement

Set expectations. Emphasize that you want your parent to preserve or even improve their memory. “Your parent may be scared — let them know the goal is to make things better, not necessarily to find out what’s wrong,” Dr. Hashmi says.

Discuss what to expect during the evaluation, which is not painful and will likely include:

  • Exercises to evaluate memory
  • Blood tests to rule out vitamin D and B12 deficiencies, which go hand-in-hand with aging, and measure thyroid levels
  • An MRI (if necessary) to help get a snapshot of current brain health

Tips to help caregivers cope with memory loss

“It can be taxing for even the most patient person to deal with a parent who repeatedly asks the same thing,” says Dr. Hashmi. “But patience is a big ally for caregivers, so stick with it.”

Some other tips to help you help your aging parent:

  1. Don’t go it alone: Some 40 million older adults and family members in the U.S. share your experiences. Connect with them to feel less alone and swap strategies for handling specific scenarios.
  2. Emphasize it’s not their fault: If your parent has Alzheimer’s disease (or another form of dementia), remember that it’s not them doing or saying things. It’s the disease. If your parent becomes rude or angry, remember that the disease is talking to someone it doesn’t know.
  3. Redirect them: Often the short-term memory is gone, but your loved one can remember the old days. Use this to your advantage. Talk about the past or look at old pictures together to help them shift their focus to the present.
  4. Lose the argument: If you’ve tried reorienting your parent, but they still insist they’re in Canada when you’re actually in California, let it go. At the moment, this is your loved one’s reality. It’s more helpful to meet them where they are than insist that they’re wrong.

Learn more about our editorial process.

Related Articles

A close-up photo of the phrase PTSD in a book being highlighted with a pink highlighter
June 14, 2021
Living With PTSD? How to Manage Anxiety and Flashbacks

How to take steps toward healing

woman upset sitting on couch
September 27, 2020
Is My Trouble Remembering Due to Aging or Alzheimer’s?

The difference between normal aging and issues that affect your independence

Woman concentrating on her project
October 30, 2019
Why Improving Your Concentration Helps Your Memory

And 12 easy tips that can pay off big

Person holding a bathroom grab bar for balance
October 15, 2023
Aging in Place: What To Know

Some planning, products and projects can help older adults stay in their homes safely longer

person falling
September 5, 2023
How To Conquer the Fear of Falling

Staying active and doing what you love may increase both your confidence and your balance

Excited grandma video shats with grandson from her living room.
August 3, 2023
Older Adults and Mental Health: What To Watch for and How To Help

Loneliness is a key factor in worsening mental health among seniors

Elderly woman's hands toss bean salad in bowl on a white kitchen table.
July 6, 2023
Nutrition for Older Adults: Why Eating Well Matters as You Age

Age-related physical changes and personal circumstances can impact healthy eating

Edler man laughs with friends and family at dining table.
July 4, 2023
Successful Aging: Tips for Keeping Your Body and Mind Sharp

Living longer is more than just growing older — it’s also about living life to its fullest

Trending Topics

Person in yellow tshirt and blue jeans relaxing on green couch in living room reading texts on their phone.
Here’s How Many Calories You Naturally Burn in a Day

Your metabolism may torch 1,300 to 2,000 calories daily with no activity

person getting a sinus massage between brows
5 Sinus Massage Techniques To Relieve Pressure and Promote Drainage

A gentle touch in all the right places may help drain your sinuses

woman snacking on raisins and nuts
52 Foods High In Iron

Pump up your iron intake with foods like tuna, tofu and turkey

Ad