Why is my grandfather with dementia afraid of the color blue?
Dementia can cause strange fears and behaviors that might seem puzzling to family members. Your grandfather’s fear of the color blue is likely related to changes happening in his brain due to dementia.
As dementia progresses, it damages different parts of the brain that control memory, thinking, and perception[1]. This can lead to confusion, hallucinations, and misinterpretation of what a person sees around them[1]. Your grandfather may be misperceiving blue objects or associating the color with something frightening, even if there’s no logical reason for it.
Sometimes, a fear like this can stem from a forgotten memory or experience that the person with dementia can no longer fully recall or explain[1]. The color blue might be triggering an emotional response tied to a past event, but your grandfather may not be able to articulate why.
It’s also common for people with dementia to develop new fears and phobias that didn’t exist before[1]. The disease can heighten anxiety and make unfamiliar things seem more threatening. Even if blue was once a favorite color, the changes in your grandfather’s brain might now be causing him to perceive it differently.
While we can’t always understand the exact reasons behind these fears, it’s important to respond with patience and compassion. Try to minimize his exposure to blue items if they cause distress. Redirecting his attention or providing reassurance when he encounters the color may help ease his anxiety.
Remember that this fear, while very real to your grandfather, is a symptom of his condition rather than a rational concern. Continuing to show love and support is the best way to help him feel safe and comfortable as he copes with the challenges of dementia.
