Dementia is a condition that changes the way a person’s brain works, and it can make everyday tasks much harder to do. When someone has dementia, their ability to remember things, think clearly, and make decisions slowly gets worse over time. This affects how they live their daily life, from simple things like getting dressed in the morning to more complex activities like managing money or cooking a meal. The changes are not the same for everyone, but there are some common ways dementia can make daily living more difficult.
One of the first things people often notice is memory problems. For example, someone might forget what they had for breakfast, or they might not remember a recent conversation they had with a family member. They might also start repeating the same question over and over, even if they were just told the answer a few minutes ago. Sometimes, they misplace things in strange places, like putting car keys in the fridge or leaving a wallet in the bathroom. These memory lapses are not just about forgetting small details—they can start to interfere with daily routines, making it hard to keep track of appointments, pay bills, or follow a recipe while cooking [1].
As dementia progresses, it becomes harder for a person to plan and solve problems. Tasks that used to be easy, like making a shopping list or balancing a checkbook, can become confusing. They might struggle to follow instructions, whether it’s for a new appliance or a simple household chore. This can lead to frustration and sometimes even anxiety, because they know something is wrong but can’t quite figure out what it is. People with dementia may also have trouble keeping track of time, not knowing what day it is or getting confused about the season or time of year [3].
Communication is another area that is often affected. Someone with dementia might have trouble finding the right words when speaking, or they might pause often during a conversation. They might use descriptions instead of names, like saying “the thing you write with” instead of “pen.” Reading and writing can also become more difficult, making it hard to follow a book or write a note. These changes can make it harder to stay connected with friends and family, and it can be frustrating for both the person with dementia and those around them [1].
Daily routines can become disrupted as well. Getting dressed, bathing, and grooming might take longer, or the person might forget how to do certain steps. They might need reminders or help to complete these tasks. Sometimes, they might not recognize familiar objects or forget how to use them, like not knowing how to operate a microwave or a washing machine. This can make it harder to live independently and may require more support from caregivers [2].
Dementia can also affect a person’s ability to move around safely. They might become unsteady on their feet, have trouble with coordination, or develop stiffness in their limbs. This increases the risk of falls and injuries, especially if they are trying to do things on their own. Vision problems can also occur, making it harder to see clearly or judge distances. These changes can make it difficult to walk around the house, go outside, or drive a car [1].
Emotional and behavioral changes are common too. Someone with dementia might become more withdrawn, lose interest in hobbies they used to enjoy, or have trouble managing their emotions. They might feel anxious, depressed, or irritable, and sometimes they might act out in ways that are not typical for them. These changes can be hard for families to understand and manage, but it’s important to remember that they are part of the disease and not something the person is doing on purpose [3].
As dementia gets worse, the person may need more help with basic activities of daily living. This includes things like eating, using the bathroom, and taking medications. They might forget to eat, not recognize when they are hungry, or have trouble swallowing. They might also need help with personal care, like bathing or using the toilet. These changes can be challenging for both the person with dementia and their caregivers, but there are ways to make things easier, like using visual cues, simplifying routines, and providing gentle reminders [2].
It’s important to know that not all memory lapses or changes in daily living are signs of dementia. Sometimes, these changes can be caused by other medical conditions, like urinary tract infections, which can cause confusion and memory problems that look like dementia but go away when the infection is treated. This is why it’s important to see a doctor if there are concerns about memory or daily functioning, so the right diagnosis can be made and the right treatment can be started [1].
There are things families can do to help someone with dementia live as independently as possible for as long as possible. Creating routines and structure can make daily life more predictable and less confusing. Simplifying the environment, like removing clutter and labeling drawers, can make it easier to find things. Using memory aids, like calendars, notes, and reminders, can help with remembering important information. Staying socially engaged, encouraging physical activity, and making sure the person is eating well and getting enough sleep can also help improve quality of life [3].
In the later stages of dementia, the person will need more hands-on care and support. They might not be able to do most daily tasks on their own and will need help with everything from eating to moving around. Caregivers play a crucial role in making sure the person is safe, comfortable, and well cared for. This can be physically and emotionally demanding, but there are resources and support available to help families through this difficult time [2].
Dementia is a progressive disease, which means it gets worse over time. The changes in daily living skills can be gradual, but they can also happen quickly in some cases. It’s important to keep track of changes and talk to a doctor if there are concerns. Early diagnosis and support can make a big difference in how well someone with dementia can manage their daily life and how much support they need from others [2].
Sources:
[1] https://www.alzheimersresearchuk.org/news/spotting-early-signs-that-could-be-dementia-when-should-you-worry/
[2] https://kitesseniorcare.com/articles/understanding-dementia-stages-a-medical-guide-for-families/
[3] https://courtyardgardensseniorliving.com/early-signs-memory-loss/
