Dementia Dimensions

Dementia Resource Center Blog for At Home Caregivers

dementia behaviors

If your loved one with dementia talks about a person who has died as if they are still alive, you are not alone—and you are not doing anything wrong.
Active Aging Week celebrates the idea that aging is not defined by limitations, but by possibilities. For individuals living with dementia, this belief is powerful.
For many families, pets are more than companions. They are a source of unconditional love, comfort, and joy. When it comes to supporting people living with dementia, the presence of an animal can provide unique benefits that extend beyond companionship.
As dementia progresses, one of the more disorienting and sometimes heartbreaking symptoms caregivers face is their loved one’s loss of understanding of time.
Two million Americans are living with aphasia, according to the National Aphasia Association, but there are many people who have not even heard of the disorder or its connection to dementia.
Many caregivers have older adults in the home who are facing severe cognitive decline, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. For those older people there a unique support system available that may be an option before an individual is ready for skilled care--it is often referred to as memory care or special needs assisted living.
Dementia affects the brain in ways that can make eating less appealing. According to the Alzheimer's Association, "poor nutrition may increase behavioral symptoms and cause weight loss." Some common reasons for appetite loss include:
  • Sensory changes – Taste and smell may diminish, making food less enjoyable
  • Medication side effects – Some prescriptions can alter appetite or cause nausea.
People living with dementia thrive on consistent routines and do best when normal schedules go uninterrupted. For this reason, it is possible that the recent change to Daylight Savings Time may have significantly impacted your loved one with dementia, resulting in increased confusion, disorientation, and potentially exacerbated existing symptoms like sundowning. 
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a journey filled with emotional and practical challenges. As the disease progresses, there may come a time when transitioning to higher levels of care, such as memory care or a skilled nursing facility, becomes necessary.