Dementia is a condition that changes the way a person thinks, remembers, and behaves. One of the most common problems people with dementia face is trouble concentrating, especially when doing something that needs focus, like reading. When someone has dementia, their brain does not work the same way it used to. This can make it hard to pay attention to words on a page, follow a story, or understand what they are reading. The problem is not just about forgetting things, it is about the brain struggling to process information in real time, which is exactly what reading requires.
Reading is not just about seeing words, it is about taking in information, understanding it, and remembering it as you go along. For someone with dementia, each of these steps can become harder. The brain may have trouble holding onto a thought long enough to connect it to the next sentence. This is called a problem with attention and working memory. Studies show that people with dementia often have lower scores on tests that measure attention and the ability to count, which are both important for reading comprehension [1]. When attention is weak, it is easy to lose track of what is happening in a book or article, even if the words are clear and familiar.
Another issue is that dementia can affect language skills. People may have trouble finding the right words or understanding complex sentences. This makes reading more difficult because the brain has to work harder to figure out what is being said. Sometimes, a person with dementia might read a sentence but not remember what it meant by the time they get to the next one. This is because the part of the brain that stores short-term memories is not working as well as it should. Research shows that verbal fluency, which is the ability to use words easily and quickly, is often reduced in people with dementia, and this can make reading feel slow and frustrating [1].
Dementia can also cause problems with visuospatial function, which means the brain has trouble processing what the eyes see. This can make it hard to follow lines of text, especially if the print is small or the page is crowded. Some people with dementia may skip lines or lose their place while reading. This is not just a vision problem, it is a brain problem. The brain is not able to keep track of where the eyes are on the page, so the person may feel confused or overwhelmed. If the person also has trouble with attention, this can make the problem even worse [4].
Sleep is another factor that can affect concentration while reading. People with dementia often have trouble sleeping, and poor sleep can make it even harder to focus during the day. When the brain does not get enough rest, it cannot store memories or process information as well. This means that even if a person with dementia tries to read, they may not be able to remember what they just read or understand the meaning of the words. Studies show that both the number of hours a person sleeps and the quality of their sleep are important for brain function, and sleep problems are common in people with dementia [2].
Hearing and vision problems can also make reading more difficult for people with dementia. If someone has trouble hearing, they may not be able to focus on reading because they are distracted by other sounds or because they feel isolated from the world around them. Research shows that hearing loss in midlife is linked to a higher risk of dementia and can make cognitive problems worse [3]. The same is true for vision problems. If a person cannot see the words clearly, their brain has to work harder to make sense of what is on the page, which can lead to fatigue and loss of concentration.
Medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can also affect concentration while reading in people with dementia. High blood pressure, especially if it is not controlled, can damage blood vessels in the brain and reduce blood flow. This can lead to problems with memory, attention, and thinking skills. Studies show that people with both high blood pressure and diabetes often have worse cognitive test scores than those with only one of these conditions [1]. This means that their ability to concentrate while reading may be even more affected.
The way a person feels emotionally can also play a role. Dementia can cause changes in mood, such as depression or anxiety, which can make it hard to focus on reading. If a person feels sad or worried, their brain may be too busy dealing with those feelings to pay attention to words on a page. Depression is common in people with dementia and can make cognitive problems seem worse [2].
There are things that can help improve concentration while reading for people with dementia. One of the most important is to make sure the environment is quiet and free from distractions. Bright lighting and large print can also help. Breaking reading into small chunks and taking breaks can make it easier to stay focused. Some people find it helpful to read aloud or to have someone read with them. Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, like learning a new language or taking an online course, can also help keep the mind sharp and improve concentration over time [2].
It is also important to treat any medical conditions that could be making concentration worse. Controlling high blood pressure and managing diabetes can help protect the brain and improve cognitive function. Getting enough sleep and treating sleep problems like insomnia or sleep apnea can also make a big difference. Regular check-ups with a doctor can help identify and treat any reversible causes of cognitive decline [2].
In some cases, people with dementia may benefit from neuropsychological assessment, which is a detailed evaluation of cognitive skills. This can help identify specific areas of difficulty, such as problems with attention, memory, or language, and guide treatment and support. Comprehensive assessment using multiple tests in each cognitive domain is recommended for the best results [4].
Overall, dementia affects concentration while reading by making it harder for the brain to process information, hold onto thoughts, and understand language. Medical conditions, sleep problems, sensory issues, and emotional changes can all make the problem worse. But with the right support and treatment, it is possible to improve concentration and make reading a more enjoyable and meaningful activity for people with dementia.
[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12655145/
[2] https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2025/nov/boost-your-brain-resilience-easy-ways-to-reduce-dementia-risk/
[3] https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2841000
[4] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1662151/full
