General Techniques to Improve Memory

These tend to be used when people develop moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. Before the anti-dementia drugs and recent advances in these techniques were considered to be the main treatment methods for improving memory in Alzheimer's disease.

Reality orientation

This can take two forms: classroom based or 24­hour reality orientation (RO) attempts to improve orientation and personal information.
Classroom-based RO: This takes place in a group situation, is of a fixed duration and is usually led by an occupational therapist Demands on the group are minimal, and questions and comments are raised concerning areas such as weather, day, month, date and history, etc.
24-hour RO: This form of RO, as the name suggests, is meant to be ongoing. It involves the continued repetition of information (again focusing on weather, day, date, time, etc.) by staff, or anyone who is interacting with the person.

In effect, RO is a procedure whereby certain topics are constantly being brought up and practised. There is some evidence that this can help with aspects of memory, thinking and behaviour, but it has little benefits for the completion of practical tasks required for everyday life.

Reminiscence therapy

This focuses on the production of historical information that may stimulate long-term memories for the person with Alzheimer's disease. For example, photographs of a monarch's coronation, famous politicians or wartime scenes may evoke discussion and further memories. There is not a great deal of scientific evidence to support this therapy but some doctors do claim that there are benefits. In essence, this type of therapy is probably working because it is tapping into the long-term memory, which is usually better preserved than the short-term memory. This has implications for carers wanting to apply this type of therapy at home. Compiling a scrapbook with photographs, letters, etc. can form a personalized reminiscence book, focusing on interests, family and work that have been important to the person during his or her life. When communication abilities are lost, this type of tool can often help carers and relatives to interact, albeit at a reduced level.

External aids

External non-electronic memory aids such as diaries, calendars, signs and wipe-clean boards are useful aids for memory. In one study, a 'memory book' was produced which contained pictures of daily activities in conjunction with a clock face showing the right time for them to be carried out.

As electronic devices become more advanced, it seems appropriate to look at their usefulness for people with Alzheimer's disease. They can take over the role of prompting and reminding from the carer. For example, at a certain pre­determined time, an alarm will go off followed by a verbal message.

People with dementia can improve their memory performance but they need to be given help specifically tailored to their abilities. The type of assistance they require may differ from traditional teaching methods that are used for teaching healthy older adults.

Check out Home remedies for Alzheimer's Disease