In the early stages of dementia, episodic memory may present as stronger than semantic memory. Implications of Memory Disorders Similar to episodic memory, memory for familiar information stored in long- term storage may appear stronger than that for newly learned or stored information. Thus, cognitively impaired patients are often confused when they travel or change residences. During hospitalizations, these individuals appear to be even more demented and unmanageable. The denial of memory and cognitive difficulties in early dementia is often associated with the fear of the possibility of being placed in a new, unfamiliar environment such as a nursing home.
Memory is an integral factor in the learning of new tasks and acquisition of new skills.
Patients who still exhibit some awareness and insight into their deteriorating cognitive skills often panic at the thought of failing at such basic tasks as locating the new silverware drawer. Their fear of disorientation and loss of control are often great but not clearly voiced to their family members. It is easy for others to interpret their denial, avoidance, and resistance to change as stubbornness and negativism, rather than as their attempts at preserving some sense of competency and self-esteem. What may be interpreted as denial for emotional reasons may, in fact, be lack of awareness for cognitive reasons. Treatment Options Treatment options for memory disorders may include medication, cognitive rehabilitation therapy, or environmental management.