According to research, some times of day are better than others when it comes to memory retrieval. If you’ve ever noticed that there are times when you can’t think of where you left your keys or what your kids’ names are, it might be because it’s during one of those times.
Research from the University of Tokyo found that there is a gene in mice that helps them to retrieve memories, and it is more effective at certain times than it is at others. For example, if you are awake earlier in the morning than usual, this gene is not as effective for memory recall and you are more likely to not remember something that you had previously known.
At this point, there is no clear indication whether this phenomenon holds true for individuals with Alzheimer’s, however it does seem likely that it will have at least some sort of impact on this population. Mice brains often share similar traits to human brains, making them a perfect lab study for preliminary information for learning how humans think.
When a loved one does suffer from dementia, it can be an incredibly trying experience for the whole family. Having someone on your side that understands the disease and has experience working with people with dementia will be helpful. It won’t take the disease away–Alzheimer’s does not have a cure–but it can make your day to day life more manageable. Knowing that there is a professional working with and helping your parent or grandparent stay safe while you’re not there can be a big burden taken off of your shoulders. It can allow you to carry on with your day to day life because you will now be positive that they are in good hands while you’re not there.
Memory care doesn’t need to happen solely in a nursing home or assisted living facility, although these two options might be helpful for you, depending on your loved one’s needs and your family’s situation. In-home care might prove to be a better alternative, though. For one, research shows that some of the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, like forgetfulness, do not manifest themselves as quickly when a person stays in an environment that they are familiar with. Second, if a trained caregiver is coming to you, there is not as great of a need for you to go to that caregiver. An assisted living facility provides a safe, new environment for those that struggle with memory loss and dementia, but not everyone who suffers from this needs that kind of a setting. Sometimes, just an extra set of eyes and hands to help out is all that’s needed.
We’re here to answer your memory care and dementia-related questions. We offer a free consultation service that might be exactly what you need to get started down the road to better care for the people that you love. One of our trained staff would love to sit with you and guide you through the process. You might find that the nursing home is the best option, but you will be happy to find that it isn’t the only option. Whatever you decide, we are there to help steer you through the process and decide what is best for the people that you love.
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