Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and changes the way a person thinks, remembers, and behaves. When someone has dementia, it can make everyday tasks much harder, especially problem solving. Problem solving is something we do all the time, like figuring out how to cook a meal, manage money, or even decide what to wear. For people with dementia, these simple decisions can become confusing and stressful. The brain is not working the way it used to, so things that once felt easy now feel overwhelming.
One of the main ways dementia affects problem solving is by making it harder to plan and organize. For example, if a person wants to make breakfast, they might forget the steps involved, like turning on the stove, getting out the ingredients, or remembering how long to cook the food. They might start the task but then get stuck, not knowing what to do next. This is because dementia damages the parts of the brain that help with planning, organizing, and remembering sequences of actions. These changes can make even familiar routines feel unfamiliar and difficult [1].
Another challenge is that people with dementia often have trouble focusing and paying attention. If someone is trying to solve a problem, like fixing a leaky faucet or figuring out a bill, they might get distracted easily. They might start the task but then lose track of what they were doing, or they might not be able to follow through to the end. This is because dementia can make it hard to keep information in mind for more than a few seconds, which is called short-term memory loss. Without being able to hold onto information, it is hard to solve problems that require step-by-step thinking [1].
Dementia also affects a person’s ability to adapt to new situations. If something unexpected happens, like a power outage or a change in routine, a person with dementia might not know how to respond. They might not be able to come up with a new plan or find a different way to solve the problem. This is because dementia can make it hard to think flexibly and come up with creative solutions. Instead, the person might get stuck on one idea or repeat the same action over and over, even if it is not working [1].
Communication is another area that can be affected by dementia. When solving problems, people often need to talk to others, ask for help, or explain what they need. But dementia can make it hard to find the right words, understand what others are saying, or express thoughts clearly. This can lead to misunderstandings and frustration, making it even harder to solve problems together with others [7].
People with dementia might also have trouble recognizing when they need help. They might not realize that they are struggling with a task or that they have made a mistake. This is because dementia can affect self-awareness and judgment. As a result, they might try to solve problems on their own, even when they need support, or they might not ask for help until the situation becomes more difficult [1].
In daily life, these changes can show up in many ways. For example, a person with dementia might have trouble managing their medications, like forgetting to take them or taking the wrong dose. They might struggle with household tasks, like cleaning, cooking, or paying bills. They might get lost in familiar places or have trouble using technology, like a phone or computer. These challenges can make it hard to live independently and can lead to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and low self-esteem [1].
It is important to remember that everyone with dementia is different, and the way it affects problem solving can vary from person to person. Some people might have more trouble with certain types of problems, while others might find different ways to cope. Support from family, friends, and healthcare professionals can make a big difference. Simple strategies, like breaking tasks into smaller steps, using reminders, or creating a calm and predictable environment, can help people with dementia feel more confident and capable in their daily lives [1].
Research shows that there are things people can do to support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, keeping the brain active with new challenges, and staying socially connected are all important for brain health. These lifestyle factors can help protect the brain and may slow down the progression of dementia in some cases [2]. For people already living with dementia, the focus is on building resilience, comfort, and connection. This means creating routines that are easy to follow, using clear and respectful communication, and providing meaningful activities that match the person’s abilities and interests [1].
Caregivers also play a key role in supporting problem solving for people with dementia. They can help by being patient, offering gentle guidance, and encouraging the person to try things on their own when possible. It is important to avoid framing problem solving difficulties as “behavior issues” and instead to look for what the person’s brain or body might be trying to communicate. Sometimes, a person might be struggling because they are in pain, feeling anxious, or need a break. Addressing these underlying needs can make a big difference in how well they are able to solve problems [1].
Digital health programs and new technologies are also being developed to support people with dementia and their caregivers. These tools can provide education, problem-solving strategies, and opportunities for social connection. For example, some programs offer easy-to-understand videos and articles, self-care tips, and ways to connect with other caregivers. These resources can help caregivers feel more confident and less stressed, which in turn can improve the support they provide to the person with dementia [3].
Early detection of dementia is another important area of research. Scientists are using artificial intelligence and other technologies to look for subtle changes in speech, movement, and daily activities that might signal the early stages of cognitive decline. For example, longer pauses in speech during memory tests or changes in how a person moves around their home can be early signs of dementia. Detecting these changes early can help people get the support and treatment they need sooner, which may improve their quality of life and slow down the progression of the disease [4,5].
Physical activity is also being studied as a way to slow down cognitive decline. Research has shown that even a small amount of exercise, like walking 5,000 steps a day, can help slow the buildup of toxic proteins in the brain that are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. Staying active not only benefits the brain but also improves overall health and well-being [6].
In daily life, supporting problem solving for people with dementia means understanding their unique challenges and strengths. It means being patient, offering gentle support, and creating an environment that is calm and predictable. It also means recognizing when medical help is needed and seeking support from healthcare professionals. By working together, families, caregivers, and healthcare teams can help people with dementia live as independently and confidently as possible, even as their problem solving abilities change over time [1].
Sources
[1] NCCDP. Brain Health at Every Stage of Life: What Really Helps and How Dementia Professionals Can Support It. https://www.nccdp.org/brain-health-at-every-stage-of-life-what-really-helps-and-how-dementia-professionals-can-support-it/
[2] Yale News. Beyond a number: At Yale, a new hub for understanding aging and cognitive health. https://news.yale.edu/2025/10/
