Memory loss can disrupt life. In a BBC documentary titled Extreme Love: Dementia, Louis Theroux discussed how Alzheimer’s and dementia could negatively affect a person’s way of thinking. Those with the said condition have trouble remembering their own name, as well as some basics of the English language.

1. Memory Loss is Not Just About
Forgetting
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2. Memory loss can disrupt life. In a BBC documentary titled Extreme Love: Dementia, Louis
Theroux discussed how Alzheimer’s and dementia could negatively affect a person’s way of
thinking. Those with the said condition have trouble remembering their own name, as well
as some basics of the English language.
A New World
The sad truth about memory loss is that it not just affects the minds of individuals. It
creates an indifferent and fragmented world that caregivers inadvertently become a part of.
When memory is lost, a person’s personality changes and they may show noticeable
declines in learning, communication, and remembering.
Distressing Behaviors
Those with dementia or Alzheimer’s may develop behaviors that can be distressing to
carers and the family. Affected people may behave out of character, partly because they
are less able to recognize their needs or communicate with others. People stricken with
dementia use repetition as a coping mechanism to counter memory loss. They may repeat
questions and words as a way to engage in normal behavior.

3. The Heartbreaking Part
When memory loss is severe, it can be
heartbreaking not only for the patient, but also to
the family. In fact, even carers or health
professionals who deal with dementia daily fail to
remember that patients forget things. In fact, the
severity of memory loss may make it impossible
for a healthy and normal brain to accept it in
others.
Experiences are Gone
Dementia can cause a person to forget memories
of experiences, or even how people felt in one
major happening in their lives. Sometimes,
however, loved ones and relatives like to think
that sufferers are capable of feeling emotions
needed for survival. But memory is more than just
a sum total of what an individual remembers. It is
what gives people a capability to learn, adapt from
experiences, and build emotional connections.
Psychologically Absent
When dementia affects people, they can no longer
function normally. The sufferers may be physically
present, but they are mentally and psychologically
absent. The worst part is, loved ones cannot
measure the depth of the disease, so they will
keep wondering how much memory is actually lost
and how they are supposed to grieve.

4. Keeping Hope Alive
Carers and loved ones may convince themselves to be patient, as things will get better
over time. They may continue hoping that dementia victims may somehow get better,
even though the symptoms only show sign of emptiness.
It is human nature go on and continue offering support to their loved ones with memory
loss. Abandonment is not an option; giving constant attention and care will only be the
way.
Resources:
http://legacyvillageprovo.com/
http://patient.info/doctor/supporting-the-family-of-people-with-dementia
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/alzheimers-dementia/understanding-dementia.htm
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=159