Preserved Abilities in Dementia: Focusing on What Remains
Living with dementia is never easy. It’s a condition that brings about many changes, and caring for someone with dementia can be even harder. We all know the feeling of watching a loved one forget names, get lost, or struggle to communicate. These moments of memory loss can be painful to witness, both for the person affected and for their family and friends.
However, it’s important not to get stuck in focusing on what’s lost. Instead, we should take a step back and appreciate the many abilities that people with dementia often retain. By doing this, we can shift our attention to the positives and help create moments of success and joy for everyone involved.
The Different Types of Memory
Dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, affects the brain in complex ways. While it does impair the ability to learn and recall information, not all aspects of memory are equally affected. Our memory is not a single thing but a collection of different systems, each serving a specific function.
When we receive information through our senses, it’s processed in two main types of memory: working memory and long-term memory.
Working Memory: This is where we hold information temporarily, such as when we remember a phone number long enough to dial it or keep track of an ongoing conversation. It’s often affected in dementia, but not always.
Long-Term Memory: This stores information over a longer period. There are two main types of long-term memory:
· Nondeclarative (Procedural) Memory: This is the "how-to" memory—skills and habits that are learned and stored over time, such as brushing teeth, dressing, or even playing a familiar game. This type of memory tends to be much more preserved in people with dementia.
· Declarative Memory: This involves facts and events—our autobiographical memories and general knowledge about the world. This is often the first type of memory to be affected by dementia, leading to forgetfulness, confusion, and difficulty recalling names or details.
What Abilities Are Often Preserved?
While dementia can impact memory, it doesn’t take away everything. In fact, many people with dementia retain a range of abilities that allow them to continue enjoying life in meaningful ways. Here are some of the strengths and abilities that are often preserved:
Familiar tasks: Many people with dementia can still complete tasks they’ve done for years, such as cooking, cleaning, or other household chores.
Imagination and creativity: The ability to use imagination and engage in creative activities, like painting, knitting, or playing an instrument, may remain strong.
Socialising: Emotional connections with family and friends are often preserved. People with dementia can still enjoy spending time with loved ones, and sharing moments of joy and connection.
Recognising patterns: The ability to identify shapes, colours, numbers, or even recognise familiar faces often stays intact.
Music and art: Many individuals with dementia can appreciate music, and some may even continue to play an instrument or enjoy singing. Artistic expression, whether through drawing, painting, or crafts, is another area where people may retain skills.
Body language and non-verbal cues: People with dementia often have a strong sense of non-verbal communication, such as understanding body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice.
Following cues: People with dementia may still respond well to clear instructions, whether verbal or written. This is especially helpful in guiding them through tasks or activities.
Focusing on What CAN Be Done
So, what does all this mean for those living with dementia and their carers? It means that we should emphasize what can be done rather than focusing on what’s been lost. The key is to help those with dementia engage in activities and skills they are still capable of, as well as familiar hobbies they enjoy. These positive moments are not only good for the person with dementia but also for their carers, family, and friends.
For example, instead of asking a loved one with dementia to recall what they had for lunch or whether they took their medication, why not enjoy a relaxing activity together? Read a book aloud, play a game of cards or dominoes, listen to some music, take a walk, or try painting or gardening. These activities not only bring comfort and joy but also help reinforce the positive, familiar skills that remain.
When we focus on what people with dementia CAN still do, we shift our perspective towards hope, joy, and connection. Even small successes can bring a sense of accomplishment and improve well-being for everyone involved.
Let’s celebrate the positive aspects of life and ensure that every day is filled with moments that bring happiness and success, no matter how small they may seem.
