Blue Zone Your Memory No. 26: Memory Loss and the Holidays

The appropriate level of social interaction for those with dementia has been shown to increase cognitive reserve or the "window of opportunity" that we may experience with our loved ones when they have recalled cherished memories or processes. The holidays are full of socialization opportunities and event-based cue retrieval episodes for the person with memory loss. These events may trigger memories that might be accurate or mistaken memories of the past. If they are mistaken memories of the past and these memories are not creating fear, agitation, or further confusion, instead of correcting the memory, validate the feeling associated with the memory. Validation therapy accepts the person from the perspective of their current reality rather than forcing an abrupt orientation to the present. Time lines can be different for the person with memory loss, and time for the person with dementia can represent the current moment, the past, or the future.