EP18: Six Tips for Talking to Someone You Think Has A Memory Problem

<p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Six Tips for Talking to Someone You Think Has A Memory Problem</span></em></p> <p><strong><em>“The sooner we know what's going on, the sooner we can help that person.”</em></strong><strong>— Melissa Batchelor, PhD, RN, FNP, FAAN (08:46-08:50)</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It may be challenging to communicate with an older adult who has memory loss associated with aging, dementia, and Alzheimer's. There are a lot of reasons that these discussions can be hard for families to have, but knowing a few strategies can help. In this week's episode, you'll learn about the six tips for talking to someone you think may have a memory problem.</span></p> <p><strong>Part One of ‘Six Tips for Talking to Someone You Think Has A Memory Problem’</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Previously, we talked about the ten warning signs of Alzheimer’s Disease: </span></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Memory loss that disrupts daily life.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Challenges in planning or solving problems.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or play.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Confusion with time or place.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">New problems with words in speaking or writing.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Decreased or poor judgment.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Withdrawal from work or social activities.</span></li> <li><span style="font-weight: 400;">Changes in mood or personality.</span></li> </ul> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All of those ten warning signs are things you need to pay attention to overtime, and to look for patterns. Do you see something that concerns yo