Why is my grandfather with dementia convinced he’s late for a job he retired from 30 years ago?

Grandpa’s Time Warp: Why He’s Racing to a Job He Left Long Ago

If your grandfather with dementia is suddenly convinced he needs to rush off to a job he retired from decades ago, you’re not alone in feeling confused. This situation is actually quite common for people living with dementia, and there are a few reasons why it happens.

First, dementia messes with a person’s sense of time. Your grandpa’s brain might be stuck in the past, reliving memories from when he was still working. To him, those memories feel current and real, even though they happened long ago[1].

Dementia also affects short-term memory more than long-term memory. This means your grandfather might clearly remember details about his old job, but struggle to recall recent events – like the fact that he retired[5].

As dementia progresses, it becomes harder for a person to keep track of time passing. Your grandpa might lose his grasp on what year it is or how old he is now. In his mind, he could genuinely believe he’s still of working age and needs to get to his job[3].

This time confusion can be worse in the early morning or late evening, a symptom called “sundowning.” During these periods, a person with dementia might become more disoriented and anxious[1].

For your grandfather, the routine of going to work was probably a big part of his life for many years. As dementia chips away at his more recent memories, that familiar work routine might feel like a comforting anchor to hold onto[7].

It’s important to remember that arguing with your grandfather or trying to convince him he’s wrong probably won’t help. Instead, try to gently redirect his attention or suggest an alternative activity he might enjoy. Keeping him engaged with simple tasks or hobbies can help reduce anxiety and confusion[11].

Creating a structured daily routine can also be helpful. This gives your grandfather a sense of purpose and familiarity, which might ease his urge to “go to work”[7].

While it can be challenging to see your grandfather confused like this, remember that his brain is doing its best to make sense of the world with the information it has available. Approaching the situation with patience and understanding will make things easier for both of you.