There’s a moment many families know too well, a loved one with dementia lights up while talking about their childhood, yet can’t recall what they ate just an hour ago.
It can feel confusing, painful, or even frustrating. But beneath this experience lies a simple truth the brain doesn’t lose all memories equally. In neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, the past often remains vivid, while the present slips away.
Here’s why, the hippocampus is the part of the brain that forms and stores new memories what you said, did, or learned today. As diseases like Alzheimer’s progress, this region deteriorates early, making it incredibly hard for the brain to record fresh information. Older memories — childhood routines, early adulthood, big life milestones, live deeper in the brain, especially across the cortex. These areas are affected later in the disease, meaning old memories remain accessible long after new one’s fade. The memories that come with emotions: joy, fear, love, pride dig deeper roots. Even when other systems begin to break down, emotional memories often stay intact.
When someone remembers the past better than today, they’re holding onto the memories their brain kept safest.
Those memories are anchors, places where they still feel like themselves. And sometimes, joining them in those memories becomes the most loving way to stay connected.
WHEN TO SEEK HELP!
When memory problems start affecting daily life or become noticeably different from someone’s usual behaviour, it’s time to reach out for support.
Consider seeking professional help if you notice:
- Struggling to remember recent events, conversations, or things that happened earlier in the day
- Repeating questions or forgetting information moments after hearing it
- Getting lost in familiar places or mixing up dates and timelines.
- Increased dependence on others for things they once handled easily
- Family history of dementia or other neurodegenerative diseases.
