Why is my aunt with dementia saying she needs to go to school tomorrow?

Aunt Martha’s sudden desire to go to school tomorrow might seem puzzling, but it’s actually a common occurrence in people with dementia. This phenomenon, known as time-shifting, happens when someone with dementia loses track of their current age and circumstances, reverting to memories from an earlier period in their life.

For Aunt Martha, her mind has likely traveled back to her childhood or teenage years, when going to school was a regular part of her routine. In her current reality, she genuinely believes she needs to prepare for class the next day. This isn’t just confusion – to her, it feels completely real and important.

Time-shifting can be triggered by various factors. Sometimes it’s related to the time of day, which is why it’s often called “sundowning” when it happens in the late afternoon or evening. Other times, it might be sparked by a familiar smell, sound, or object that reminds the person of their past.

While it can be distressing for family members to witness, it’s important to remember that arguing or trying to correct Aunt Martha’s belief won’t help and might even cause more confusion or agitation. Instead, it’s often better to go along with her reality for the moment. You could say something like, “The school called and said classes are canceled tomorrow,” or “It’s the weekend now, so you don’t have school tomorrow.”

The key is to validate her feelings and redirect her attention gently. You might ask her about her favorite subjects in school or what she enjoyed most about her school days. This approach can help her feel understood and may naturally shift her focus to more pleasant memories.

It’s also worth noting that this behavior might be a sign that Aunt Martha is seeking a sense of purpose or routine. Consider introducing activities during the day that might fulfill this need, like simple puzzles, sorting tasks, or helping with safe household chores.

Remember, Aunt Martha isn’t trying to be difficult. Her brain is struggling to make sense of the world around her, and she’s doing the best she can with the information available to her. Patience, understanding, and creative problem-solving are your best tools in helping her navigate this challenging time.