Should we label a unit or area Cognitive Care or Memory Care? “Cognitive Care” may be a better term than “Memory Care” and we’ll give you some reasons why.
First of all, dementia is not primarily a memory condition.
While memory loss is often the most visible early symptom, dementia affects multiple cognitive functions, including:
-
attention
-
judgment
-
problem-solving
-
language
-
perception
-
executive functioning
-
emotional regulation
Reducing dementia to “memory” oversimplifies the condition and can unintentionally misguide care approaches.
‘
Cognitive Care’ reflects the full scope of what is changing — not just what is forgotten.
‘Memory Care’ shapes expectations — often incorrectly.
The term memory care leads many people to assume:
-
reminders are the main intervention
-
repetition will solve distress
-
correcting recall is helpful
-
memory loss explains all behaviors
In reality, many challenges arise from:
-
impaired reasoning
-
difficulty interpreting environments
-
reduced ability to plan or sequence tasks
-
sensory overload or misperception
Calling the setting Cognitive Care signals that care is designed around how people think, process, and experience the world, not just what they remember.
Language Drives Care Design
What we name a unit influences:
-
staff training priorities
-
environmental design
-
leadership decisions
-
family understanding
A memory care label subtly reinforces reminding and correcting.
A cognitive care framework supports:
-
environmental adaptation
-
task simplification
-
indirect guidance
-
reduced reliance on verbal correction
-
design that compensates for cognitive change
This aligns more closely with modern, Montessori – informed dementia care.
Cognitive Care Emphasizes Abilities, Not Deficits
“Memory care” defines the person by what is lost. “Cognitive care” focuses on:
-
remaining abilities
-
alternative ways of processing
-
preserved emotional intelligence
-
capacity for engagement and contribution
This shift matters deeply for staff mindset, resident dignity, family perception and leadership culture/
It reinforces the idea that people are still capable — just differently capable.
Cognitive Care Fits a Continuum Model
In a continuum of care residence, cognition changes gradually.
Using Cognitive Care:
-
avoids a hard line between “fine” and “memory impaired”
-
supports smoother transitions
-
reduces stigma associated with “going to memory care”
-
reflects progression rather than failure
Families often find cognitive care less frightening and more accurate.
It Aligns With Contemporary Dementia Practice
Leading-edge dementia care focuses on:
-
adapting environments
-
designing supportive routines
-
understanding unmet needs
-
reducing cognitive load
-
supporting judgment and decision-making
These approaches go far beyond memory support alone.
Cognitive care names the work more honestly.
Dementia affects how people think, interpret, and experience the world — not just what they remember. ‘Cognitive Care’ better reflects the kind of support people actually need.
Memory care describes a symptom.
Cognitive care describes the work.
Click here >>> to learn all about the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle®
Look into Montessori Dementia Training: Principles & Practices for Daily Connection
Or, any of these online sessions:
1.) Resident Choice Is a System, Not a Suggestion
Save 20% by registering for both parts together.⇓
Register for Resident Choice: Part One & Part Two – $88
2.) How to Create & Present Purposeful Activities
3.) How to Form Dementia-Friendly Resident Committees: Where Everyone Belongs
