Forgetting recent conversations or events

People with dementia may find it difficult to remember recent conversations, events, appointments, or plans. This is because the condition can affect how new memories are formed and stored.

It is important to remember that the person is not being difficult or deliberately forgetful. They may genuinely feel as though they are hearing the information for the first time.

Tips for supporting someone with memory difficulties

• Avoid telling the person they have already been told something.
• Consider whether it really matters if they remember a recent conversation or event. Correcting them may cause frustration or distress.
• Establish a regular daily routine to make activities more predictable and easier to remember.
• Encourage the use of a diary, journal, or photo album to record important events and experiences.
• Use prompts and context rather than testing memory. For example, ask, “It must be a while since breakfast. Are you hungry?” instead of “Have you had breakfast?”
• Use reminders such as calendars, sticky notes, labels, or notes placed in helpful locations.
• Consider assistive technology, such as calendar clocks or reminder devices.
• Focus on one topic at a time and avoid giving too much information at once.
• Keep information clear, simple, and repeat it when needed.
• Reduce distractions such as background noise.
• Offer limited choices, for example, “Would you like tea or coffee?” rather than “What would you like to drink?”

Struggling to find the right word

People with dementia may sometimes struggle to find the right word during conversation. They may also have difficulty remembering the names of people or everyday objects.

They might:

• Use the wrong word for something.
• Know the word they want to say but be unable to recall it.
• Forget the meaning of certain words.
• Forget the names of familiar people.
• Forget the names of common objects.

These difficulties can make conversations challenging, but there are ways to help.

Tips for supporting conversation

• Give the person time to find the word they want to use.
• Use the context of the conversation to help understand what they are trying to say.
• Reduce background noise and other distractions.
• Choose times of day when the person feels most alert and comfortable.
• Avoid rushing them or putting them under pressure.
• Try not to finish sentences for them unless they ask for help.

When someone forgets names

Forgetting names of people or objects can be upsetting, but gentle support can help.

Helpful approaches

• Give subtle prompts, such as: “Here’s our neighbour, Bill.”
• Avoid drawing attention to forgotten names by quizzing or testing the person.
• Remember that tiredness, stress, and anxiety can make memory problems worse.
• If the person is comfortable with it, encourage others to introduce themselves when they meet.
• Use prompts, context, and visual cues to help identify people and objects.
• Consider creating a memory book or memory box containing photographs and brief information about important people.
• Choose quieter environments when possible, as busy places can make communication more difficult.