Dementia is a condition that affects the brain in a way that makes it harder for people to remember things, think clearly, and do everyday tasks. One of the most common problems people with dementia face is memory loss. This can show up in many ways, like forgetting names, appointments, or even where they put things. But sometimes, it can go deeper than that. People with dementia might start to forget the location of rooms in their own home, even if they have lived there for years. This can be confusing and sometimes scary for both the person with dementia and their family.
When someone has dementia, their brain changes in ways that make it harder to store and recall information. The brain is like a big network of roads and pathways, and dementia can damage these pathways. This means that even simple things, like remembering where the kitchen or bathroom is, can become difficult. The hippocampus, which is a part of the brain that helps with memory and navigation, is often one of the first areas to be affected by dementia. Studies have shown that as people get older, especially if they have dementia, the hippocampus can shrink, and this can make it harder to remember locations and directions [1].
Forgetting the location of rooms is not just about memory. It can also be about how the brain processes space and direction. People with dementia might still know what a room is for, but they might not be able to find it. This is because the brain’s ability to map out spaces and remember where things are located can be damaged. This is called spatial memory, and it is something that many people take for granted until it starts to fail. Research has found that spatial memory problems are common in people with dementia, and these problems can get worse as the disease progresses [3].
There are different types of dementia, and each one can affect memory and spatial awareness in different ways. For example, Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common type of dementia, often starts with memory problems and can quickly spread to other areas of thinking, including the ability to navigate familiar places. Other types of dementia, like vascular dementia or Lewy body dementia, can also cause problems with memory and spatial awareness, but the way these problems show up can be different [3].
It is important to understand that forgetting the location of rooms is not just a sign of getting older. While it is normal for people to sometimes forget where they put their keys or what they came into a room for, forgetting the location of rooms in a familiar place is a sign that something more serious might be going on. This is especially true if the person is also having other problems, like trouble remembering names, getting lost in familiar places, or having trouble with everyday tasks [3].
Doctors and researchers use different tests to see how dementia is affecting a person’s memory and spatial awareness. These tests can include asking the person to draw a map of their home, follow directions, or remember where things are located. These tests can help doctors figure out how far the dementia has progressed and what kind of support the person might need [3].
It is also important to know that dementia does not affect everyone in the same way. Some people might forget the location of rooms early on, while others might not have this problem until later. Some people might only have trouble in certain places, like their home, but not in other places they know well. This can depend on many factors, including the type of dementia, how far it has progressed, and the person’s overall health and brain function [1].
There are things that can be done to help people with dementia who are having trouble remembering the location of rooms. Simple changes, like putting up signs or using different colors to mark doors, can make it easier for them to find their way around. Keeping a routine and making sure the home is organized can also help. Sometimes, working with a therapist or counselor can help the person and their family learn new ways to cope with these challenges [3].
It is also important to remember that dementia is not just about memory loss. It can affect many parts of a person’s life, including their mood, behavior, and ability to do everyday tasks. Forgetting the location of rooms is just one of the many ways that dementia can change a person’s life. But with the right support and care, people with dementia can still live meaningful and fulfilling lives [3].
In dementia research, it is important to use objective measures to understand how memory and spatial awareness are affected. Relying on what people say about their own memory can be tricky, because memory loss can make it hard for them to remember what they have forgotten. That is why researchers often use tests and other tools to get a clearer picture of how dementia is affecting a person’s brain and behavior [4].
Dementia is a complex condition that can affect many parts of the brain, including the parts that help with memory and spatial awareness. Forgetting the location of rooms is a common problem for people with dementia, and it can be a sign that the disease is progressing. Understanding how dementia affects memory and spatial awareness can help doctors, families, and caregivers provide better support and care for people with dementia [1][3][4].
Sources
[1] Nature Communications, Vulnerability to memory decline in aging revealed by a mega-analysis, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-66354-y
[3] Frontiers in Psychology, Mild cognitive impairment and neuropsychological examination, https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1662151/full
[4] PMC, Key research priorities in methodological approaches for measuring dementia, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12639404/
