Many older individuals never experience memory problems. However, when problems remembering recent events do arise, they may simply be caused by distractions present at the time of the events. If older people are uninterested or are distracted by noise, confusion or something else, they most likely will forget the event. On the other hand, if older people pay close attention, are interested and alert when something happens, they most likely will remember it.

You can help your aging parents learn important names, events, dates and places by making sure that the information is conveyed at a time when he or she is able to pay attention. Sometimes written reminders such as "take your pill at lunch time" or "Bill's birthday is next Friday, October 5^th" will be helpful. While having to repeat information or provide "memory joggers" such as written notes may be a minor inconvenience, they can be very important in helping your parent retain a sense of independence and self-esteem.

In contrast to occasional forgetfulness about recent events, many older people seem to have remarkably clear memories of what happened years ago. If there is no one around to contradict them, it is difficult to know if such memories are accurate. The memories, accurate or not, are still valuable because they recall important events in the aging person's life. They help that person review a lifetime and come to an understanding and acceptance that life has been worthwhile and fulfilling.

Everyone goes through a period of life review in old age, and it is a normal part of aging. Stories of long ago can be a rich resource for your family – a kind of oral history. Many aging individuals who are encouraged to remember and relate different events from earlier years enjoy this attention. Furthermore, there is evidence that occasionally being the center of attention in this way encourages the older person to be more "tuned in" to today's events.

Techniques to Improve Memory

"Our minds, like our bodies, will fall into ill-conditioned states from excessive comfort." (Dr. Ruth Garrett, Director, Geriatric Education Consortium, Tennessee State University)

It is critical that we remember to maintain brain health through:

• Proper diet to feed the brain as well as the body.
• Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, to help both the body and the brain.
• Intellectual challenge.
• New activities that provide personal meaning.
• Love, in order to feel the connection with others.

The following are techniques you can use to improve your memory or to help your aging parent remember:

• Write things down. Make a list, use a calendar, or write notes to help you remember.
• Change the environment. Rearrange items in your home or on your person to help you remember.
• Use triggers. A sound such as using a kitchen timer can help you remember to do something.
• Visualize things you want to remember.
• Associate what you want to remember with what you know.
• Put things back in the same place.
• Study photos before an event to help with name recognition.
• Pay attention to details.
• Give yourself verbal instructions or reminders aloud. As an example, you might say, "I have turned off the iron."
• Categorize your list.
• Repeat names when you meet new people.