Dear Counsellor:

I notice that I have become quite forgetful. How can I cope with this?

- Carol

Dear Carol:

We have to depend on memory aids. The people who interact with you daily will remind you of relevant things to do. Sometimes you may feel annoyed that you have forgotten crucial information, but the reality is that forgetting is a natural part of life. Having a diary to detail your daily activities is important. Some people have difficulty getting used to carrying a diary everywhere they go.

To-do lists are helpful and useful. Each evening, you need to make a list of things to do. Put the list in your diary. During the day, you need to check your list to see if you have completed your daily activities.

If you take medication, it is useful to put them on the fridge or on your dresser so that they will be in your line of sight. Sometimes, you can place stickers on the refrigerator to act as memory aids.

A very important principle is 'a place for everything and everything in its place'. Organise your home and office in such a way that you can easily find whatever you want.

You don't need to feel alone because everybody has memory problems.

Living with Alzheimer's

Dear Counsellor:

My mother has Alzheimer's and has become very forgetful. How can you help me?

- Maria

Dear Maria:

Alzheimer's is a common disorder of the elderly. There are millions of elderly people who have dementia, so your situation is not unique. Dementia gets progressively worse and so certain measures are needed. Your mother needs to make her will and make arrangements for the time when she will be incompetent to make decisions and act in her best interest.

It is painful to watch your mother deteriorate before your eyes. You need to have a counsellor who you can talk to about your stresses. It is important to amass all the help that you can get. If you have siblings, you need to allow them to help with their mother. You will need to take breaks at regular intervals and refresh yourself.

Forgetting is a big problem because sometimes the stove is left on or the iron is left plugged in. You need to have someone follow your mother around so that she doesn't fall or wander away. Sometimes the elderly leave home and can't find their way back home because of amnesia. You need to talk to your mother as if she understands. Read to her and comfort her with Bible readings. It is stressful for your mother to be forgetful and incapacitated, therefore, you need to make her as comfortable as possible.

For advice on a range of personal and family health, call Dr Yvonnie Bailey-Davidson at 978-8602 or email your questions to yvonniebd@hotmail.com.