Identifying The Different Types of Memory Loss in Dementia

When most people think about dementia, memory loss is usually the first symptom that comes to mind. However, memory isn’t a single ability. It’s made up of different systems that allow us to remember recent conversations, recognise loved ones, carry out familiar routines and recall important life events. Dementia can affect each type of memory differently, and these changes often develop gradually over time.

How Does Dementia Affect Memory?

Dementia is related to the decline of brain function, which results in memory loss and a decline in thinking skills. It is caused by damaged brain cells that can no longer communicate with each other effectively, which happens more commonly to those who are aging. Memories will not disappear all at once. Dementia is a gradual and progressive condition that is largely unpredictable.

Memory is not stored in one single part of the brain. Different areas are responsible for forming new memories, storing older memories and helping us recall information when we need it. Dementia damages brain cells and the connections between them, making these processes increasingly difficult. As a result, people may struggle to create new memories, retrieve existing ones or remember information in the correct order.

Different types of dementia will affect memory in different ways. The symptoms someone experiences often depend on which areas of the brain are most affected.

Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia and usually affects the parts of the brain responsible for forming new memories first. This is why people with Alzheimer’s often experience short-term memory loss in the early stages. They may repeat questions, forget recent conversations or misplace everyday items while still recalling events from many years earlier.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain, often following a stroke or a series of smaller strokes. Memory loss can occur, but many people first notice problems with concentration, planning, decision-making and processing information. Symptoms can sometimes develop suddenly after a stroke or progress in a step-like pattern rather than gradually.

Dementia with Lewy bodies

People with dementia with Lewy bodies may experience memory problems, but these are often accompanied by fluctuations in attention and alertness. Someone may appear confused one moment and much clearer the next. Visual hallucinations and movement difficulties similar to Parkinson’s disease are also common, which can make daily life particularly unpredictable.

Frontotemporal dementia

Frontotemporal dementia affects the front and sides of the brain, areas responsible for behaviour, personality and language. Unlike Alzheimer’s disease, memory may remain relatively preserved in the early stages. Instead, families often notice changes in behaviour, communication or social awareness before significant memory problems develop.

The Different Types of Memory Affected by Dementia

We have many different types of memory which are stored in different parts of the brain. This means that when dementia affects different parts of the brain, from person to person, different types of memory will be more affected than others.

Short-Term Memory

Short-term memory is usually the first to be affected and is also quite noticeable. Whether you notice difficulty remembering recent conversations, needing things repeated, forgetting appointments or routine tasks, or misplacing objects.

Whilst this short-term memory is thought of as a usual sign of ageing, it can still have a huge impact on daily life and independence. If you notice a reduction in short-term memory, keep routines consistent. This lack of uncertainty throughout the day will not trigger this forgetfulness. Writing reminders will be a huge help if you are forgetting important things throughout the day. If someone around you is beginning to struggle with conversational memory, avoid frustration and calmly repeat it.

Long-Term Memory

Long-term memory usually remains relatively preserved in the earlier stages of dementia. As it begins to worsen, older memories may be clearer than recent events, but eventually may become affected. For example, a person may vividly describe their childhood but struggle to remember what they ate for breakfast.

To prevent this memory loss from developing, encourage reminiscence and storytelling. Use photographs and sentimental objects to keep these memories alive whilst consistently talking about familiar experiences.

Working Memory

Working memory helps people to temporarily hold and use information. This could be following instructions, briefly remembering a number/code, or completing tasks in a sequence. You may notice working memory becoming affected when someone loses track of conversations, has difficulty following simple, written instructions, or becomes overwhelmed and frustrated by multi-step tasks.

To support someone through working memory decline, just give one instruction at a time, allow them to confidently and independently complete it, and then give the next instruction. Break tasks down into smaller steps so that they do not have to remember a large bulk of information at once.

Procedural Memory

Many people have not heard of this memory type that controls learned skills, such as walking, using cutlery, and cooking. Procedural memory often remains intact longer than other forms of memory.

The best way to prevent this memory loss is to remain independent in these skills. Practicing them daily will help to keep the memories intact.

Semantic Memory

Semantic memory encompasses general knowledge and understanding. This includes the names of objects and people, language and vocabulary, or knowing what everyday items are used for. If someone begins to forget words or names, has difficulty understanding certain words, or calls objects by the wrong name, their semantic memory may be affected.

Episodic Memory

Episodic memory holds personal experiences and is usually one of the earliest memory types to be affected. This may include memories from holidays, birthdays, or past phases in their life.

How Does Memory Loss Change As Dementia Develops

Not every person suffered from dementia experiences the same pattern of memory loss. However, memory loss usually progresses through the early, middle, and late stages of dementia as such:

Early

• Recent memories affected.

Middle

• More confusion.
• Difficulty recognising places.
• Increasing repetition.

Later

• Long-term memories may also fade.
• Recognition becomes more difficult.

How To Support Someone Experiencing Memory Loss

There are a range of things that you can incorporate into the life of someone with dementia to help prevent memory loss progression.

Communication

• Speak clearly.
• One question at a time.
• Allow thinking time.

Routines

• Consistent daily schedule.
• Visual reminders.
• Calendars.

Familiar surroundings

• Labels.
• Photographs.
• Personal belongings.
• Good lighting.

Reminiscence

• Music.
• Family stories.
• Old photographs.
• Sentimental objects.

Encourage independence

Support independence rather than taking over and doing things for them.

Be patient

Avoid correcting every mistake and instead focus on reassurance.

How Care Homes Support Residents With Memory Loss

Specialist dementia-care homes will have a systematic approach to combatting memory loss. When trained, the staff would have gained knowledge on how to spot memory loss progression in behaviour and how to support them.

The structured daily routines in care homes are very effective with dementia patients. These homes are purpose-built to assist independence in patients, with easily accessbility and clear signage.

Care homes often feature activity schedules that focus on dementia support. From practicing old skills through art and crafts to reminscent seasonal celebrations, these activities are a casual way of fighting back against memory loss.

At Mulberry, we have four care homes specialised in dementia care. Our fully-qualified teams support residents through memory loss with a professional understanding of dementia progression and how to combat memory loss.

Memory loss is one of the most recognised symptoms of dementia, but it affects far more than the ability to remember names or appointments. Understanding the different types of memory can help families better appreciate what their loved one is experiencing and adapt the way they communicate and provide support. With patience, understanding and the right care, people living with dementia can continue to enjoy meaningful relationships and a good quality of life.