Emotional Memory

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on November 13, 2018

Emotional Memory

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.−Maya Angelou

In a recent survey administered by the Alzheimer’s Society, only about half of the adult respondents stated that it is important to stay in contact with loved ones who are diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. But advocates and researchers of those afflicted with these diseases disagree. They claim there is a great benefit of social contact for all seniors as they can still hold on to emotional memory despite the degrees of memory loss. Furthermore, there are significant impacts of emotional memory.

What exactly is meant by the term “emotional memory”? And what specific impacts does emotional memory have on loved ones experiencing dementia?

What is emotional memory?

Emotional memory is defined as how people actually remember how something made them feel. If a person cannot remember how something made them feel, sometimes words or pictures can be used as triggers for the emotion.

Alzheimer’s advocates and researchers report that despite oftentimes forgetting the actual event, activity, or anything else surrounding it, the senior can still remember how it made them feel…happy or sad, or somewhere in-between.

Knowing this, what are some of the impacts of visiting loved ones experiencing dementia?

• Even if they can’t express themselves, they may remember you.
• Even if they can’t pinpoint how they know you, they may remember the frequency of your visits.
• Even if the first two scenarios are true (e.g., they have a limited verbal ability and they appear now to recognize you), they can still experience enjoyment and meaning from the social interaction/visit/activity itself.
• And this socialization, visitation, and engaging activity can often put your loved one in a better mood. It helps them to relax and to have a better day.

What are some additional implications of these findings?

The researchers propose these findings help to improve the quality of life for individuals because they can connect on a “feelings” level despite varying degrees of memory loss.

The positive frequent visits, social interactions, and engaging activities (whether music, dance, exercise or even eating a favorite snack, etc.) do play a role in uplifting the person so they don’t feel as lonely, isolated or depressed. With this elevated emotion, comes a deeper sense of self-esteem and purpose.

Knowing that people remember how things made them feel despite often not remembering the specifics of each occurring event also impacts the actions of family members and caregivers. For example, it is especially important to avoid causing negative feelings of these loved ones and to be as positive, nurturing, and calm throughout your interactions as much as possible. This helps sustain and build emotional memory.

These finding also have implications for choices of senior living facilities and their delivery of services. Those facilities that offer meaningful activities that foster socialization, engagement and genuine interest of the particular individual can lay the framework for emotional memory. Likewise, those facilities that employ positive, trained staff who interact and connect with the patients most certainly add to this.

With a better understanding of the important role that emotional memory plays in senior’s lives, there most likely will be a shift in respondents’ views when asked about the necessity and importance of staying in contact with loved ones diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimer’s. Your role is indeed crucial.

What can you do today to help your loved one build emotional memory?

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