When a loved one begins to experience memory loss, there are many new concerns to consider and decisions to make. There is one project that you can undertake that will help all of you to cope in the coming days – a memory journal. Journaling can help your loved one remember significant experiences and important life events that were cherished before dementia or other cognitive issues afflicted them. Similarly, younger family members have the ability to gain knowledge about their legacy and history.

Getting Started with Journaling

For many individuals with cognitive challenges such as dementia, the unfortunate truth is that they will likely soon lose access to many core life memories. The goal of journaling is to record and document information about their life, from facts and figures to the memories that make up their life and experiences. Should they begin to lose their ability to remember, friends and family can use this journal to refresh their memory, remind them about important events, or trigger memories that may be dormant.

There are several ways to create a memory journal, and the decision of how to document these memories often depends on the references of the person writing it. There are several options to consider:

Traditional journaling in a physical book provides a tactile experience that can make the process of reading and reexperiencing events feel more tangible and “solid.” It is also the easiest way for individuals to document their own memories.
Digital journals include videos and written documents that may also provide links to related materials and audio recordings. This type of journal will be easily distributed to many extended family members but may require assistance to create.
Voice-recorded journals are living testaments to the individual’s life and journey. Whether a stream of consciousness, divided into stories, or a question and answer format, the audio recounting of favorite memories will be a cherished heirloom.

For many families, the easiest way to ensure that their loved ones’ memories are faithfully recorded is to work with them – asking questions that inspire memories, videotaping conversations, or writing down their thoughts for them to capture their life experiences.

Inspired Journaling: Set the Tone

Memories tend to flow more easily when your family member feels calm and safe. To provide them with the best environment for recalling significant life events, consider finding a cozy, comfortable spot. Play soft music or ambient nature sounds in the background to inspire serenity. Be ready with meaningful keepsakes or pictures to help them to remember their past, and let their mind go where it will.

Using The Memory Journal as a Resource

The very act of creating a memory journal implies that you recognize the need to help support your loved one’s cognitive capabilities and well-being. Once created, you can use the memory journal in many ways. You can use it as a conversation starter when interacting begins to deteriorate. You can remind them of shared memories as a point of connection. You can provide them with a sense of peace and familiarity when their mind begins to play tricks on them. Many people lose short-term memory first, which can be exceptionally disconcerting. By sharing photographs of people and places they recognize, by sharing stories of their past, you offer them solid ground and reassurance to combat their anxiety.

Another Way to Help Your Loved One with Dementia

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