Focus on structure, safety and preserving independence rather than on correcting mistakes. Consistent routines, written reminders in one place, simplified choices and attention to sleep, hearing and vision all help more than testing their memory does. Addressing hearing and vision matters more than most people expect, since unrecognised sensory loss makes cognitive difficulty considerably worse.
Focus on structure, safety and preserving independence rather than on correcting mistakes. Consistent routines, written reminders in one place, simplified choices and attention to sleep, hearing and vision all help more than testing their memory does. Addressing hearing and vision matters more than most people expect, since unrecognised sensory loss makes cognitive difficulty considerably worse.
Routine does a lot of the work: the same order of activities, the same places for keys, wallet and glasses, one calendar or whiteboard in a visible place rather than notes scattered around. Simplify decisions by offering two options rather than open questions. Label cupboards if it helps. Address hearing and vision, because unrecognised sensory loss makes cognitive difficulty considerably worse and is straightforward to correct. Prioritise sleep, since poor sleep worsens memory in anyone.
Avoid testing them. Asking do you remember who I am puts someone in a position where they can only fail, and it damages the relationship without gaining anything. Supply the information instead: it is Tuesday, we are going to the doctor at eleven. Do not argue with a mistaken belief when the substance does not matter, since correcting rarely works and often distresses. Respond to the feeling behind a statement rather than its accuracy. Repeating a question means the answer did not register, not that they are not listening.
The areas worth reviewing early are driving, medication management, cooking appliances and financial vulnerability to scams, which specifically targets this group. Discuss legal and financial authorisations while your parent can still participate, because it is much harder afterwards. And take the caregiver part seriously: carer strain is real, predicts worse outcomes for both of you, and accepting help early is more effective than waiting until you are exhausted.
Clinical Neurology Specialists has been physician-owned since 1998, when Leo Germin, M.D., FAANEM founded it. Five board-certified neurologists and four advanced practice providers see patients at the Las Vegas and Henderson offices, each with its own AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratory.
Clinical Neurology Specialists is an adult outpatient neurology practice for patients 18 and older. The practice performs no surgery and operates no imaging suite, infusion suite or interventional pain programme, and provides no emergency or inpatient care.
Physician-reviewed. Reviewed by the physicians of Clinical Neurology Specialists — board-certified neurologists, AANEM-accredited electrodiagnostic laboratories, physician-owned since 1998. Reviewed 1 August 2026. This article is general education for adults 18 and older and is not a substitute for a consultation.
Sources and further reading: National Institute on Aging; MedlinePlus: memory; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
Adults 18 and older, at the Las Vegas and Henderson offices. Call 702-804-1212 or request an appointment online.