Memory problems | Alzheimer's Society

Memory loss but not dementia: functional cognitive disorder (FCD)

Researchers have studied people being assessed for problems with their thinking and memory. Recent figures suggest that, of people going to a memory clinic with such symptoms, as many as one in four don’t have dementia. Instead, these difficulties are caused by functional cognitive disorder.

Home movies and memory loss – Creating a short film from my grandfather’s old footage

Following the passing of his grandfather, David found his old film reels and created a short film, which was broadcast by the BBC. David reflects on their relationship before dementia, and how the condition affected his grandfather in his later years.

Alzheimer’s Society comment on how coronavirus is affecting dementia assessment and diagnosis

Every person with dementia should have access to a diagnosis and post-diagnostic support. Ella Robinson, Senior Policy Officer at Alzheimer's Society, shares data and insight on how the coronavirus pandemic has affected primary care and memory assessment services.

Separation from care homes: 'Lockdown instantly disconnected us'

For 12 weeks, Trevor has been unable to visit his wife, Yvonne, who lives in a care home. Trevor wants assurance from Government that they will consider the needs of people living with dementia, like Yvonne, as they begin to ease lockdown restrictions.

Coronavirus restrictions in care homes: ‘Bit by bit, Mum is forgetting who I am’

Kathy has been separated from her mum, who has dementia, for eight weeks. Like many other families, Kathy is angry about Government’s lack of planning for care homes and believes people with dementia are being ignored.

Souvenaid: I’m worried about my memory – should I buy this drink?

Our research team examined evidence on the nutritional drink Souvenaid, that was claimed to help improve some aspects of memory in people who have mild cognitive impairment.

27 January 2020

Jim's story: 'I made figurines of family members to help Joan with her memory'

Jim Pearson from Swinton in Manchester was married to his wife Joan for over 60 years. He cared for her at home for eight years while she was living with dementia. During that period, he came up with a way that would enhance their precious time together.

10 December 2019

Memory and migration: ‘I have dementia, but I still remember my past’

Gordon Lambert has transformed his life. From a traumatic upbringing in a former British colony to bringing up his own family in London. Read his incredible story and how he still helps others now, while living with vascular dementia.

11 October 2019

Laury’s story: ‘Mum became utterly lost in the fog of her own mind’

Jacquelyn was 57 when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Here, her daughter Laury describes the dementia journey in detail – from spotting the early signs, to the final stages – and shares what she’s learned from it.

20 September 2019

Steps to prevent memory loss

Could walking up to 9,000 steps per day reduce the brain damage caused by dementia years before symptoms begin?

11 September 2019

'The memory thief became a regular visitor, taking pieces of my grandma.'

12 year old A'yaan won first prize in his school's public speaking competition. He wrote this emotional piece about his grandmother, who has Alzheimer's disease. We have published A'yaan's piece here completely unedited.

05 September 2019

How to offer help to someone with dementia who doesn’t want it

Do you know a person with dementia or memory problems who is refusing offers of help? Here are a few ways to support someone who may be in denial about their situation.

‘Mom seems afraid that if she doesn’t write things down, she will forget.’

Enomwoyi's mother, who is living with dementia, fills notebook after notebook writing down the details of her day. Here, Enomwoyi weighs up the positives and negatives of Mom's compulsive note-taking.