Grandma’s Fear of the Car: Understanding Dementia-Related Anxiety When your grandmother with dementia becomes afraid of the car, it can be puzzling and distressing for everyone involved. This fear often stems from the confusion and disorientation that dementia causes. As…
Uncle Joe used to open doors without a second thought, but now he stands there looking confused. What’s going on? When someone has dementia, their brain changes in ways that affect memory and basic skills. Opening a door may seem…
Aunt Maggie wakes up every morning thinking it’s her wedding day. She’s all smiles and excitement, asking about her dress and the ceremony. But Maggie has dementia, and her wedding was 50 years ago. This kind of confusion is common…
When someone with dementia stares at the television without understanding it, it’s a common behavior called the “dementia stare.” This happens because dementia affects how the brain processes information from the senses. As dementia progresses, it becomes harder for the…
Forgetting how to tie shoes is a common issue for people with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. This happens because dementia affects parts of the brain responsible for memory and motor skills. As dementia progresses, it becomes harder for the brain…
Grandpa’s Uniform: A Window to the Past When your grandfather with dementia clutches his old work uniform and thinks he needs to go back to work, it’s not just confusion – it’s his brain trying to make sense of the…
Grandma’s Imaginary Dinner Party: Understanding Table-Setting Behavior in Dementia Your grandmother’s habit of setting the table for guests who aren’t coming is actually a common behavior seen in people with dementia. This might seem odd or confusing, but there are…
Why is my uncle with dementia writing letters to people who have long since passed? Dementia can cause confusion about time and reality. Your uncle may be reliving memories from the past and feeling a strong connection to people who…
Aunt Martha’s sudden desire to go to school tomorrow might seem puzzling, but it’s actually a common occurrence in people with dementia. This phenomenon, known as time-shifting, happens when someone with dementia loses track of their current age and circumstances,…
Dementia can make familiar places seem unfamiliar, even a home someone has lived in for decades. This happens because dementia damages parts of the brain that store memories and help with recognition. As dementia progresses, it becomes harder for a…