Loved One's Visit Stimulates “Emotional Memory” of People With Dementia

Every human being needs a supporting person in their life. All humans are susceptible to diseases and being sick should not be a reason for isolation.

A survey by the Alzheimer’s Society has found that two-thirds of people with dementia in Northern Ireland are feeling isolated. Their family members and relatives have stopped visiting them since they don’t recognize them.

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‘Visits could stimulate feelings of familiarity, happiness, comfort and security through emotional memory in people with dementia. ’

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The survey showed that more than 40 percent of people incorrectly thought dementia patients who failed to recognize them “won’t benefit a lot” from visits.

But the society said that people with dementia retained an “emotional memory” despite the disease and seeing loved ones could “stimulate feelings of familiarity, happiness, comfort and security”.

The survey also showed that 70 percent of people have reported to visit relatives with dementia even if the patient did not appear to know them.

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The charity said,“Despite these good intentions, the lack of awareness of how important emotional memory is may mean that in their busy lives, people don’t always follow up on their intentions and over half of those living with dementia are left feeling isolated.”

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said,“It’s so important for people with dementia to feel connected throughout the year. Spending time with loved ones and taking part in meaningful activities can have a powerful and positive impact, even if they don’t remember the event itself. We’re urging people to get in touch with us and find out how we can help you stay connected.”

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