When Learning New Things Gets Harder
(Episodic memory + hippocampus)
Some of the first signs of Alzheimer’s show up in how we take in and hold onto new information. These tests help the neurologist understand how well the brain is recording recent experiences.
Tests you might see:
– Word list recall
– Mini-Cog (3 words + clock drawing)
– Orientation questions (“What day is it?”)
🧠 Why it matters:
Episodic memory relies on the hippocampus to store recent experiences. Trouble often appears here before anything else.
💡 Care Tip: Help reinforce what happened earlier with gentle cues: “We had pasta for lunch,” instead of “Do you remember lunch?” You’re offering a connection, not a quiz.
When Words Feel Just Out of Reach
(Semantic memory + working memory)
If your loved one struggles to name something or follow what you’re saying, it may be about how their brain is accessing language.
Tests you might see:
– Naming objects or pictures
– Following directions (e.g., “Fold the paper”)
– Digit span or counting backwards
🧠 Why it matters:
Semantic memory holds language and facts. Working memory is like the brain’s scratchpad. These areas may fade gradually, but they still respond to subtle shifts in your interactions.
💬 Care Tip: Try rephrasing. Instead of “Flip the light switch,” say “It’s a little dark in here—should we turn on the light?” Our mom often responds with a simple “yes” and turns it on. You’re meeting her brain where it still works.
Finding Their Way Through the World
(Spatial memory + executive function + procedural memory)
These tests show how your loved one navigates space and daily tasks. It’s less about memory recall and more about planning, perception, and movement.
Tests you might see:
– Clock drawing
– Walking or balance checks
– Simple problem-solving questions (“If you have $10 and spend $3…”)
🧠 Why it matters:
Spatial memory and executive function guide movement and decision-making. If your loved one can’t complete a task, it may not be about forgetting—it could be about how the brain is sequencing steps.
✅ Care Tip: Use visual cues at home—such as labels on drawers, signs in the bathroom, or contrasting floor colors—to make navigating through the day easier.
Thinking It Through in the Moment
(Executive function + working memory)
Alzheimer’s doesn’t just affect memory—it also impacts how people think things through.
Tests you might see:
– Money, math, or simple logic questions
– Multi-step tasks
🧠 Why it matters:
These tasks test how the brain holds information while making decisions. Struggles here can lead to frustration, but they also give you clues on how to adapt at home.
💡 Care Tip: Instead of open-ended questions, give two choices: “Tea or juice?” feels easier than “What do you want to drink?” You’re still offering control, but in a more straightforward way.
What the Body Still Remembers
(Procedural memory + balance + reflexes)
Sometimes, the brain forgets—but the body remembers. These tests demonstrate the reliability of automatic movements.
Tests you might see:
– Walking forward and back
– Touching nose with eyes closed
– Turning the head or shifting gaze
🧠 Why it matters:
Procedural memory often stays strong well into the disease. Our mom may pause at the word, but her hand still reaches for the spoon, scoops up the food, and brings it to her mouth, just as she has done a thousand times before.
✅ Care Tip: Incorporate familiar movements into their daily routine, such as folding towels, setting the table, and sweeping the floor. These aren’t just chores; they’re confidence builders.
- Support working memory by giving one-step instructions. If your loved one asks the same question often, try this sticky note trick. Write the answer to their frequently asked question on a sticky note and place it in a visible spot. This simple strategy can help them remember the answer and reduce their anxiety.
- Play to their strengths: When words are hard, adjust your approach. Use tone, gestures, or rhythm instead of complex phrases. It reduces stress for both of you.
- Anchor the day in routine: The more consistent the structure, the easier it is for your loved one to feel secure and at ease. Use photos, signs, and familiar rhythms to reduce confusion.
- Lean on procedural memory: Encourage movement, routine, and repetition. If your loved one has done something their whole life, that skill may still be in there, even if the words are not.
💡 Pro tip: Keep a note in your phone about what’s working well and where your loved one seems to struggle. Bring it to the next appointment. It helps the doctor—and enables you to feel more in control.
- What stood out?
- What’s changed since last time?
- What can we do at home to support what’s slipping—and build on what’s still strong?
Ask for the next steps you can share with family, friends, and your care team, so everyone can meet your loved one where they are. That kind of clarity isn’t just empowering; it’s transformative. It brings the entire support system into the light.
These tests help doctors do their job. But the way you respond to them? That’s where genuine care begins.
You’re not just sitting in the room. You’re the bridge between medical insight and everyday life. And you’re doing a beautiful job.
