The MMSE - a guide for people with dementia and their carers Memory loss Loss of memory is often one of the earliest signs of dementia. In older people it may be mistaken for the normal forgetfulness people experience as they grow older or when they are very stressed. However, it will become apparent later that the person s memory problems are severe and persistent, and are accompanied by changes in thinking and feeling which make it more difficult for them to cope with everyday life. If you are caring for a person with dementia you will want to find ways to help them cope with memory problems so that they can retain their confidence and independence for as long as possible. Most people in the later stages of dementia are looked after in residential homes.
Some homes are prepared to care for people to the end.
However, interventions that are available in a hospital may not be available in a residential or nursing home.