If a person had no legs, you would never ask them to walk. We all know that. When we ask a person with short-term memory loss a short -term memory question it is exactly like asking the person with no legs to walk. It leads to feelings of failure, anxiety, frustration and often negative reactions.

Make this your mantra:

DON’T ASK A PERSON WITH SHORT-TERM MEMORY LOSS A SHORT TERM MEMORY QUESTION

Often we ask the following short-term questions:

HI, how are you?

What did you have for breakfast?

What did you do yesterday?

These are impossible for them to process and unfortunately it starts the conversation down the wrong path!

Start your conversation by referring to a topic that is non-threatening such as:

I was thinking about the time we saw Niagara Falls.

I was thinking about the beautiful zinnias you grew.

I was thinking about the angel food cakes you made for my birthday.

Knowing these personal good memories makes you a positive part of your loved ones day! Give it a try!