A2 · Memory loss
Actual Older adult
Definition
Noticeable forgetfulness that affects daily life.- Dementia
- stroke
- medicines
- depression
- vitamin B12 deficiency
- Forgets names
- repeats
- misplaces items
- gets lost
📋 Scenario
An older man forgets to turn off the stove.
Subjective (S): "Did I turn off the stove?"
Objective (O): Forgets names and tasks; leaves the stove on; repeats questions.
Assessment tools for this scenario: CP-OLDER Older Adult Check
Validated scales to consider: 4AT / CAM, Mini-Cog
**CarePath diagnosis:** Memory loss related to suspected dementia (not yet confirmed), as evidenced by forgetting names and tasks, leaving the stove on, and repeating questions.
**Interventions and rationale**
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Assess. | A structured assessment shows how much memory is affected and what could be treated, such as medicines, depression or low vitamin B12, so care matches the cause. |
| Use reminders. | Notes, labels and alarms support a failing memory so daily tasks are done and missed steps are less likely. |
| Keep routines. | Familiar, predictable routines reduce confusion and stress and rely on habit memory, which often lasts longer than recent memory. |
| Make the home safe. | Safety steps such as stove shut-off devices and removing hazards reduce the chance of fire or injury when he forgets. |
| Support the family. | Family members are the main support, and teaching them what to expect and how to help prevents exhaustion and unsafe situations. |
| Refer. | A specialist referral allows diagnosis, treatment of reversible causes and access to long-term services so the cause can be treated and the family linked to long-term help. |
**Expected outcomes**
- Safe routines.
- Supervision or reminders in place.
- Family trained.
- Assessment completed.
**Linking the data to the diagnosis**
The patient asks, 'Did I turn off the stove?' The nurse notes that he forgets names and tasks, repeats questions and has left the stove on. Forgetfulness already affects daily life and safety, so this is an actual problem and not a risk, and it rests on these observed memory failures. The plan aims for safe routines, reminders or supervision in place, trained family and a completed assessment, so the stove danger is controlled while the cause is found.
CarePath diagnosis
Memory loss related to suspected dementia (not yet confirmed), as evidenced by forgetting names and tasks, leaving the stove on, and repeating questions.
Interventions and rationale
Listed in priority order.
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| 1. Assess. | A structured assessment shows how much memory is affected and what could be treated, such as medicines, depression or low vitamin B12, so care matches the cause. |
| 2. Use reminders. | Notes, labels and alarms support a failing memory so daily tasks are done and missed steps are less likely. |
| 3. Keep routines. | Familiar, predictable routines reduce confusion and stress and rely on habit memory, which often lasts longer than recent memory. |
| 4. Make the home safe. | Safety steps such as stove shut-off devices and removing hazards reduce the chance of fire or injury when he forgets. |
| 5. Support the family. | Family members are the main support, and teaching them what to expect and how to help prevents exhaustion and unsafe situations. |
| 6. Refer. | A specialist referral allows diagnosis, treatment of reversible causes and access to long-term services so the cause can be treated and the family linked to long-term help. |
Expected outcomes
- Safe routines.
- Supervision or reminders in place.
- Family trained.
- Assessment completed.
Linking the data to the diagnosis
The patient asks, 'Did I turn off the stove?' The nurse notes that he forgets names and tasks, repeats questions and has left the stove on. Forgetfulness already affects daily life and safety, so this is an actual problem and not a risk, and it rests on these observed memory failures. The plan aims for safe routines, reminders or supervision in place, trained family and a completed assessment, so the stove danger is controlled while the cause is found.