Millions of adults live with Alzheimer’s disease. The disorder is most commonly recognized for causing memory loss. The protein tangles and subsequent inflammation damage the neurons in the regions of the brain that enable short-term and long-term memory, and the types of memory affected are further divided into subcategories.
Short-Term Memory
Short-term memory is governed by the hippocampus, which is generally the first region damaged by Alzheimer’s. The hippocampus lies in the frontal cortex and is responsible for remembering recent events and obtaining new information. From the hippocampus, memories venture to other areas of the brain for long-term storage. However, in the presence of Alzheimer’s, new information doesn’t travel to the other regions. For this reason, seniors with Alzheimer’s may ask the same questions or repeat the same words or phrases. The brain no longer remembers events that occurred mere minutes before. On the other hand, seniors with Alzheimer’s are often able to recall events that happened decades in the past.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, help is just a phone call away. There are many reasons seniors might need assistance at home. Some may require regular mental stimulation due to an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, while others might only need part-time assistance with exercise and basic household tasks. Home Care Assistance is a leading Albuquerque senior home care provider. Families rely on our expertly trained caregivers to help their senior loved ones maintain a high quality of life.
Episodic Memory
Episodic memory includes the ability to retain and recall specific details about certain events. Episodic memories take place in the short-term and long-term memory regions. This type of memory can be equated to watching an episode of a television program. After watching a show, the viewer normally remembers what actors appeared, dialogue that was spoken, and the locations where individual situations took place. However, when the short-term memory is affected, seniors with Alzheimer’s don’t remember anything about the show within minutes of the program’s end. When episodic memory isn’t stored in the long-term memory or if the memories cannot be retrieved, seniors lose the ability to recall the specifics of the event.
Procedural Memory (Also Known as Muscle Memory)
When neurons in the cerebellum experience Alzheimer’s-associated damage, long-term memory is affected. When seniors learn new information or skills, procedural memory makes it possible to automatically perform the actions. This type of memory comes into play when reading, writing, dancing, or engaging in other activities. The area of the brain containing procedural memories is commonly the last damaged by the disease.
Aging adults who need help managing mental and physical health issues can benefit from the assistance of highly trained professional caregivers. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional elderly home care. Albuquerque, NM, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Semantic Memory (also Known as Language)
Semantic memories are stored in different areas of the brain that include the temporal lobes. This type of memory is responsible for retaining general facts and knowledge pertaining to the names of objects and people. The location also retains memories that are declared or explained. When semantic regions become damaged, seniors with Alzheimer’s cannot remember the appropriate names for objects or the meanings of words.
Working Memory (Also Known as Executive Functioning)
Working memories are stored in the prefrontal cortex as short-term memory before transferring to long-term memory centers. The function is responsible for enabling attention, concentration, and focus. The information entered here often includes the names of people and locations. When any of these regions succumb to damage, seniors with Alzheimer’s no longer remember addresses or phone numbers. They may also have difficulty completing tasks requiring multiple steps.
If you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you don’t have to go through it alone. Without the right assistance, Alzheimer’s can be challenging for seniors and their families to manage. If you’re looking for professional Alzheimer’s care, Albuquerque Home Care Assistance provides high-quality care aging adults and their families can count on. All of our hourly and live-in caregivers are trained to help seniors with Alzheimer’s live happier and healthier lives, and we also provide specialized dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care. To learn about our high-quality in-home Alzheimer’s care services, give us a call at 505-798-0800 today.
