Why is my grandmother with dementia calling me by her sister’s name?

Grandma’s Memory Mix-Up: Why She Might Call You by Her Sister’s Name

It can be confusing and a bit upsetting when your grandmother with dementia calls you by her sister’s name. But don’t worry, this is actually pretty common for people with dementia. Let’s break down why this happens in a way that’s easy to understand.

First off, dementia messes with how the brain stores and retrieves memories. It’s like having a big filing cabinet where all the papers get jumbled up. Your grandma’s brain is having trouble finding the right “file” with your name in it[1].

Sometimes, people with dementia have an easier time remembering stuff from long ago compared to recent memories. So your grandma might be thinking about her sister from when they were young, and that memory is easier for her to grab onto than your name[4].

Another thing to keep in mind is that dementia can make it hard for people to recognize faces. Your grandma might see you and know you’re someone important to her, but her brain can’t quite match your face to the right name[13].

It’s also possible that you remind your grandma of her sister in some way. Maybe you have a similar laugh or the same hair color. Her brain might be making a connection between you and her sister, even if it’s not quite right[1].

Remember, when your grandma calls you by the wrong name, she’s not doing it on purpose. Her brain is just playing tricks on her. The important thing is that she recognizes you as someone she cares about, even if she can’t get your name right[2].

Try not to get upset when this happens. Instead, gently remind her of your name and your relationship to her. You could say something like, “Actually, Grandma, it’s me, your granddaughter Sarah.” Keep your tone friendly and don’t make a big deal out of the mistake[2].

Lastly, focus on the emotions behind her words rather than the exact name she uses. Your grandma is trying to connect with you, and that’s what really matters. Keep showing her love and patience, and enjoy the time you have together.