Misplaced Memories
“Memory loss” is a broad term used to describe a symptom of a dementia, but what if some of the memories you thought were lost were actually only misplaced?
As dementia progresses, some memories are lost forever. Often however, a memory isn’t gone; it is simply misplaced and unavailable for easy recall. Think of the brain as a vast library filled with facts, information and stories. Occasionally a book is loaned out and never returned. The book has become lost, and it will never find its way back to the library.
On the other hand, some books are just sitting on the wrong shelf. We might assume the book is gone, but it is still somewhere in the library. Perhaps shelved on the row or hidden buried under a stack of retuned book behind the counter or hidden away in dark closet. Like misplaced books, misplaced memories need a little help being retrieved.
As family members, friends, and healthcare professionals, it is up to us to practice creative ways to retrieve the memories we thought were gone forever. Helping someone retrieve a memory is quite meaningful. To do this, we must shift from a clinical mindset toward non-pharmacological interventions such as music, aromas, tactile and sounds.
Because music is processed across both hemispheres and deep in the brain’s emotional core, singing or listening to familiar songs can trigger the deep-seated pathways and unlock a misplaced memory. Watching the smile on someone’s face when they hear the song played at their wedding, can bring moments of joy to be shared.
Familiar scents are among one of the fastest triggers for recall and bring immediate sense of calm. The smell of cookies baking or the distinct aromas of the holidays can instantly transport someone back to memories of their childhood. Similarly, muscle memory can trigger familiar tasks or talents, such as playing the piano, while visual stimulation can dramatically improve mood, even if the person is unable to express the memory with words.
It is well worth the effort to help the person retrieve memories that are misplaced, which are just waiting to be found again.
“There are so many objects that I find that I have forgotten about until they are in my hands again, and they remind me of times in my life I had otherwise forgotten, the way you will visit a place you think is new and then something, a sound or smell or some tiny detail, will make you realize it is familiar after all.” -Lemony Snicket
If you would like more information about our Memory Ministry, our Memory Cafe or Family and Friends Workshops, please contact Vicky at vpitner@firstumc.org.