Why is my mother with dementia unable to recognize the house she’s lived in for 40 years?

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 person to remember details about their surroundings. They might forget what their house looks like from the outside or have trouble finding rooms inside. This can be very confusing and upsetting for them.

The brain changes caused by dementia can affect how someone processes visual information. Even if they see their house, their brain might not connect it to their memories of home. It’s like the link between what they see and what they remember is broken.

Sometimes, a person with dementia might recognize their house one day but not the next. This is because dementia symptoms can fluctuate. Good days and bad days are common.

Getting lost in familiar places is actually one of the early signs of dementia. As the disease worsens, it becomes more likely for someone to not recognize even very familiar locations like their own home.

For the person with dementia, this experience can be frightening. They might feel lost or think they’re in the wrong place. It’s important for caregivers to stay calm and gently remind them where they are.

Creating a routine and keeping the home environment consistent can help. Familiar objects, photos, and smells might trigger memories and provide comfort, even if the person can’t fully recognize the house.

Remember, this behavior isn’t the person’s fault. It’s a symptom of the disease affecting their brain. With patience and understanding, you can help your loved one feel safe and oriented, even when they’re struggling to recognize their surroundings.