While there is still no cure for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in general, there are ways to improve one’s memory and delay total memory loss.

Going…Going: The Abduction of a Mind is a touching memoir by Jack Weaver. It features the story of a husband and his wife with dementia. It is a chronicle of the couple’s fifteen-year journey with Alzheimer’s. How the couple battled the progressive memory loss for a decade and a half is pretty impressive. Inspired by the couple’s story, we thought of several tips that are proven to improve memory and perhaps help delay total memory loss in people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Set up a weekly routine.

Setting up a daily schedule or perhaps a weekly routine can significantly help people with Alzheimer’s live an everyday life and improve their memory. Having a consistent and regular lineup of activities helps exercise the brain and develop healthier mental connections. Schedules and routines also aid in organizing thoughts and actions.

Evoke good memories.

Pleasant and happy memories help the brain remember the past. By showing familiar pictures and items or even playing familiar songs and movies can aid in memory recovery. Good memories, in particular, evoke pleasant feelings and emotions. Scents and clothing can also air in recalling pleasant thoughts of the past.

A diary or journal is good.

This has been proven in clinical studies. Keeping a diary or journal helps patients recall their thoughts and record their memories, thus helping with memory loss. If they have old journals before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, it would be wise to have them read their old entries. By doing so, we can help trigger the memory lane and, in the process, help them in their attempt to recover long-term memories of the years before Alzheimer’s.

Reminder App and box.

This is essential in every patient with Alzheimer’s. Reminder apps and medicine reminder boxes are essential in ensuring they know what drugs they will take at a particular time. Details of their medication should be indicated in the app or the medicine reminder box.

Get the daily newspaper.

There are several reasons why patients should read the daily newspaper. One, it helps them keep track of the data every day. Second, it keeps them updated about what’s happening in the world, making them feel like they are part of today, of history unfolding. Often, people with Alzheimer’s feel isolated from the world.

Create one’s grocery list.

Asking Alzheimer’s patients for simple tasks such as creating a grocery list, reading books, or watching movies is an exercise and a way to empower them and make them feel good about themselves. Doing this regularly can yield positive results.

Write your own directory list.

People with Alzheimer’s should have their directory list. Posting a list of important people and their contact details in a strategic place inside the house is important. It should also include emergency contacts like the police, doctor, ambulance, fire station, and caregiver. Having them memorize a few of these important contacts is also a good memory exercise.

Install locators and GPS.

Technology can significantly help people with Alzheimer’s. Installing small electronic tags to essential items that are often misplaced will make it easier for patients to locate important valuables such as wallets, eyeglasses, medicine boxes, etc. GPS is also essential for Alzheimer’s patients, especially when shopping for groceries and other trips.

Organize memory games.

Memory games and other activities that involve remembering items are great ways to exercise the brain. Organized memory games, Bingo nights, cooking classes, gardening sessions, and other activities regularly will undoubtedly boost their memory.

Keep in touch with friends.

This is extremely important for all people with Alzheimer’s. The love of family and friends is priceless. Seeing familiar people (siblings, colleagues, childhood friends, children, grandchildren, etc.) makes patients likely to hold on to old memories, delaying memory loss in the process.

Going…Going: The Abduction of a Mind by Jack Weaver is available on Amazon and Barnes & Nobles. You can also visit his website today for more details and updates related to his amazing memoir.