Memory decline in normal aging

Normal aging is associated with a decline in various memory abilities in many cognitive tasks; the phenomenon is known as age-related memory impairment (AMI) or age-associated memory impairment (AAMI). The ability to encode new memories of events or facts and working memory shows decline in both cross-sectional and longitudinal studies.[3] Studies comparing the effects of aging on episodic memory, semantic memory, short-term memory and priming find that episodic memory is especially impaired in normal aging; some types of short-term memory are also impaired.[4] The deficits may be related to impairments seen in the ability to refresh recently processed information.[5] Source information is one type of episodic memory that suffers with old age; this kind of knowledge includes where and when the person learned the information. Knowing the source and context of information can be extremely important in daily decision-making, so this is one way in which memory decline can affect the lives of the elderly. Therefore, reliance on political stereotypes is one way to use their knowledge about the sources when making judgments, and the use of metacognitive knowledge gains importance.[6] This deficit may be related to declines in the ability to bind information together in memory during encoding and retrieve those associations at a later time.[7][8]
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This has been a most interesting year for all of us here at Elderlink, we have helped more families find Assisted Living Facilities, Skilled Nursing Care Facilities and Board and Care Homes than any year in the history of Elderlink. With the economy being so poor it is quite unexpected, on the other hand the fact remains that when our elderly family members need help we must act on it. Looking forward to the coming year bringing us increased hope for the future, we wish all a New Year of health and happiness, we are always here to help you.

THE REALITYOF MEMORY LOSS AND
Communicating Beyond Language

When our language skills are intact, we can be the life of the party and at the top of our game. If our language skills are diminished through an accident or illness, we can find ourselves sitting on the sideline of life needing someone to assist us in communicating our needs.

The dictionary defines communication as something that communicates information from one person to another. We are all aware of how good and bad communication can affect our lives and relationships. Often, communication is judged solely on words spoken, but in fact, communication can take many forms. Facial expressions, human touch and body language are some of the most effective ways to communicate cues and feelings, especially when one suffers from dementia
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http://www.trustlink.org/Reviews/Elderlink-Inc-205913193

TRUSTLINK REVIEW
When my mother suddenly found herself in need of assisted living, we didn’t know where to start–thank goodness Elderlink came up on our first google search! We called them, and immediately Bliss Comroe came to the rescue! She sent us a list of residences that MIGHT work–based on our finances and geographic preferences and the kind of care we felt would be good–very little care, but important. We didn’t look at some of the addresses because they were in Newport Beach, and we were sure they would be too expensive.
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What type of care facility do my aging parents need?

Though we all know the day will come when we need to provide elder care for our elderly relatives, most of us have unanswered questions and are completely unprepared for it. What’s the difference between an assisted living facility and a retirement home? Are there facilities that specialize in Alzheimer care and dementia care? How can I know when the time is right and what is available for my parent’s or senior family members as I look for senior care facilities that are licensed, appropriate and trustworthy?

How to care for aging parents or family members isn’t something that is taught in school or commonly discussed in the open. Many families feel it is their obligation to care for a loved one at home. With many excellent options available to seniors, and education to families, the consideration to place a family member into a facility is important. They can be around their peers, be with professionals who can give the care necessary as well as enjoy a social, active lifestyle. This allows the family to have quality time during visits and changes the outlook of the future of seniors.
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