CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Discussing signs of cognitive decline with a loved one can be difficult to navigate, but The Ivey Brain Health & Memory Wellness Center can guide you through the process. Today we have Lynn Ivey, owner and Tracy Reading, dementia advocate here to talk more about a very sensitive topic. “All too familiar for caregivers and family is when you notice your loved one begins to ask repetitive questions, becomes easily confused, gets lost, and has difficulty completing tasks” says Ivey. They may be showing signs of decline and this issue needs to be address immediately. The Ivey Brain Health & Memory Wellness Center in Charlotte can guide you through the process. The Ivey Brain Health & Memory Wellness Center offers to the Charlotte community, memory wellness programs for those living with memory and cognition challenges, as well as guidance, counsel and support for the entire family of caregivers. These conversation can be tough. “As you begin to notice changes in memory, thinking or behavior, plan a conversation with your loved one about your observations” says Ivey. She adds “the purpose of the conversation is to share your observations, include your loved one to share their own memory worries or concerns, and discuss options for professional assessment.”
There are many conditions that can lead to cognitive changes and the earlier you begin the assessment process, the sooner you can address it. “My wife Pauli and I were married for 33 years. She passed from younger onset Alzheimer’s” says Reading. He adds “At The Ivey’s Respite Club, Pauli found socially engaging, educational and memory-enhancing, brain-healthy activities as well as support, resources, and much needed respite time for me, the caregiver. The journey with a loved one who is living with dementia is a marathon and building strength and resilience with the professionals at The Ivey is critical for the caregiver’s health and wellbeing.” The Ivey knows what caregivers and families need. The Ivey has expertise in what steps caregivers should take as they navigate discussing cognitive decline with their loved ones, including:
1. Treat them with respect and dignity
2. Keep the discussion simple, honest, and calm
3. Ask if they notice anything different about themselves or how they feel
4. Have simple and concrete examples of some of your observations
5. Listen, answer questions, be patient, offer reassurance
6. Make it an ongoing discussion
7. Suggest a doctor’s visit
Though an initial appointment with a primary care doctor can be quickly accomplished, the referral to a neurologist for a more thorough assessment can take 6-9 months. The long wait for an assessment combined with the overwhelming feeling of next steps can be circumvented through the While You Wait program at The Ivey. The While You Wait program at The Ivey offers complimentary brief assessments and memory screenings to identify cognitive impairment and provide actionable advice through support, resources, and guidance during the critical time waiting for a diagnostic evaluation from a neurologist.
If you have a love one in cognitive decline visit theivey.com.