Why is my father with dementia calling me by his brother’s name?
Why is my father with dementia calling me by his brother’s name?
If your father has dementia and is calling you by his brother’s name, it’s a common symptom of the disease. Dementia affects memory and cognitive function, making it difficult for people to recognize faces and recall names correctly[1][7].
As dementia progresses, it becomes harder for the brain to access recent memories. Your father may be reverting to older memories from his past, when his brother was a significant part of his life[3]. He might be associating you with characteristics or experiences he remembers about his brother.
This name confusion doesn’t mean your father has forgotten you entirely. His brain is simply having trouble connecting the right name to the right person[2]. It’s not uncommon for people with dementia to mix up names of family members, especially those from different generations.
While it can be emotionally challenging to hear your father call you by the wrong name, try not to take it personally. Remember that this is a symptom of the disease, not a reflection of his feelings for you[5]. Correcting him repeatedly may cause frustration or anxiety, so it’s often better to respond to the emotion behind his words rather than the specific name he uses.
To help your father, you can:
1. Use visual cues like photos to remind him of who you are
2. Introduce yourself when you enter the room
3. Wear name tags if multiple family members are present
4. Speak in a calm, reassuring manner
If the name confusion is a new symptom, it’s a good idea to inform your father’s doctor. They can assess if there have been any changes in his condition or if adjustments to his care plan are needed[7].
Caring for someone with dementia can be challenging, but remember to be patient and compassionate. Your presence and love are what matter most, even if he can’t always express it in the way you’d expect.
