How to support memory function and remember the good times

We spend years making memories, so we want to hold on to them as long as we can. Here’s how to support memory function.

We all forget things from time to time.

Where we put the car keys, what exactly it was we walked into the laundry to find, the next door neighbour’s name.

Unfortunately, research has found1 this tends to get worse as we get older, becoming more noticeable in our 40s, 50s and 60s.

While frustrating (where are those keys?!) for most people these changes are minor and are the result of normal ageing and not dementia, the term used for a group of symptoms that occur when the brain is damaged by diseases affecting at least memory loss and judgment, including Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s disease2 can cause a significant decline in cognitive function and things like memory, thinking and reasoning.

While Alzheimer’s disease is a complex condition that can affect people in different ways, the signs and symptoms in three stages, according to Dementia Australia3.

Early stage – mild Alzheimer’s disease

Symptoms in this stage can include taking longer to think of words or recall names, becoming more forgetful of recent events, and finding decision making overwhelming.

As the condition advances, signs may include commonly losing or misplacing things, changes in mood, becoming confused in familiar places and taking longer to carry out everyday tasks.

Moderate stage – moderate Alzheimer’s disease

At this point, the problems with memory become more pronounced and other cognitive functions might also start to become affected.

Symptoms can include repeating the same stories, failing to recognise family and friends, being very forgetful of current and recent events, and a lack of concern over appearance.

Late stage – severe Alzheimer’s disease

As the disease progresses, a person with Alzheimer’s disease will develop severe memory impairment and lose the ability to carry out everyday tasks.

At this stage, continuous care in most or all daily activities is usually needed. It’s important to remember though that you could experience these symptoms and not have Alzheimer’s disease as many of these can occur more frequently as we get older.

For this reason, it is important to discuss any concerns you may have, with your doctor.

How can I support memory function in the early stages of Alzheimer’s?

While there are currently no treatments available to slow or stop the brain damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease, there are things that can be done including dietary and nutritional interventions that can help manage the symptoms.

The earlier it’s diagnosed, the more than can be done to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

So if someone you know is showing signs of memory loss, organise a GP appointment so they can be assessed.

Souvenaid Liquid and Souvenaid Powder are nutritional drinks containing a unique combination of nutrients to support memory function in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

A three-year study4 published in the peer-reviewed journal Alzheimer’s and Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found patients with an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease called mild cognitive impairment who drank one bottle of the medical drink daily for three years had less decline in their memory and thinking skills than those who were not on Souvenaid.

These patients also had less brain shrinkage particularly in the area of the brain known as the hippocampus which is responsible for memory. Individual results may vary. The above is not to be substituted for medical advice, always consult your doctor.

Manufactured by Nutricia, the drinks come in different flavours and are storage and travel friendly.

* This post is brought to you by Nutricia Souvenaid. Souvenaid5 is a food for special medical purposes. Use under medical supervision.

[References]

[1] Small, G. What we need to know about age-related memory loss,  BMJ 2022: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1123445/
[2] Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s and Dementia in Australia, 2022: alz.org/a/dementia-alzheimers-australia.asp
[3] Dementia Australia, About Dementia 14 – Progression of Alzheimer’s disease, 2020: https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/helpsheets/Helpsheet-AboutDementia14-ProgressionOfAlzheimersDisease_english.pdf
[4] Soininen H, Solomon A, Visser PJ, et al. 36-month LipiDiDiet multinutrient clinical trial in prodromal Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s Dement. 2020;1–12.
[5] Dementia Australia, Dementia Q&A 23 – Souvenaid – a dietary treatment for mild Alzheimer’s disease, 2020: https://www.dementia.org.au/sites/default/files/helpsheets/Helpsheet-AboutDementia14-ProgressionOfAlzheimersDisease_english.pdf
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