People with dementia often trust strangers who contact them because their cognitive and emotional changes affect their judgment and perception of safety. Dementia impairs memory, reasoning, and the ability to recognize familiar faces or situations, which can make it difficult for them to distinguish between trustworthy and untrustworthy people. This vulnerability is compounded by feelings of loneliness, fear, and a deep need for connection, which strangers may unintentionally or intentionally exploit.
Dementia causes emotional confusion and insecurity. Individuals may feel scared, frustrated, or helpless as their ability to understand their environment declines. This emotional state can lower their self-esteem and make them more likely to seek comfort from anyone who appears kind or attentive, even if that person is a stranger. The loss of autonomy and competence in daily tasks also contributes to their dependence on others for reassurance and support. When a stranger approaches with warmth or empathy, the person with dementia might interpret this as genuine care, leading to misplaced trust[2].
Another factor is the way dementia affects communication and social interaction. People with dementia may have trouble expressing their feelings or understanding complex social cues. They might not recognize subtle signs of danger or deceit. At the same time, they often crave social interaction to combat isolation, which can make them more open to engaging with strangers who show interest or offer companionship[5].
Research on emotional bonding shows that vulnerability can create rapid emotional connections, even between strangers. When someone discloses personal feelings or needs, and the listener responds with empathy and understanding, a bond can form quickly. For a person with dementia, whose sense of self and security is fragile, this process can happen easily with strangers who seem responsive, making them more likely to trust those individuals[3].
Caregivers and loved ones often notice that people with dementia may trust strangers more than familiar people at times. This can be confusing and worrying. The concept of trust itself becomes complicated because the person with dementia may not consistently recognize who is safe or who has their best interests at heart. Their instincts or “gut feelings” about trustworthiness may be unreliable due to brain changes caused by dementia[1].
Understanding these dynamics is important for protecting people with dementia from potential harm. It highlights the need for supportive relationships with trusted caregivers who can help guide and reassure them. It also shows why isolation can worsen their vulnerability, as loneliness increases the desire to connect with anyone who offers attention or kindness.
Sources
https://www.lewybodydialogue.com/consecutive-chapters-1-to-last-chapter
https://optoceutics.com/how-does-dementia-affect-you-emotionally-behavior-crying-affect-behaviors/
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-24119-z
https://www.dementia.org.au/living-dementia/staying-connected/talking-someone-dementia
