The sense of time fades in dementia because the brain areas responsible for processing and understanding time become damaged. Dementia affects memory, thinking, and perception, and this includes how a person experiences the passing of time. The brain normally keeps track of time by linking memories, events, and daily routines, but dementia disrupts these connections, making it hard for people to know what time it is, what day it is, or even which season they are in.
As dementia progresses, the ability to form new memories weakens, so people lose the sense of continuity that helps them place events in order. This can cause confusion about whether something happened recently or long ago. The damage also affects attention and concentration, which are important for noticing changes in time throughout the day. Without these mental cues, time can feel like it is moving too fast, too slow, or not at all.
In addition, dementia can cause restlessness and agitation, especially in the evening, a phenomenon called sundowning. This may be linked to the brain’s disrupted internal clock, which normally helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and daily rhythms. When this clock is off, people with dementia may feel disoriented about the time of day and become anxious or confused.
Environmental factors also play a role. Changes in lighting, noise, and social interactions can make it harder for someone with dementia to stay oriented. For example, dim light in the evening can increase confusion about whether it is day or night. Sensory losses, like hearing or vision problems, which often accompany aging and dementia, can further reduce a person’s ability to gather information about their surroundings and time.
To help, special clocks designed for people with dementia often show not just the time but also the day, date, and season in clear, simple formats. Some clocks even talk aloud to remind the person what time it is. These tools support orientation and reduce confusion by providing constant, easy-to-understand cues about time.
Overall, the fading sense of time in dementia is a result of brain changes that disrupt memory, attention, and the internal clock, combined with sensory and environmental challenges that make it harder to stay connected to the present moment.
