Why is my mother with dementia afraid of the color blue? It’s a puzzling question that many families dealing with dementia face. The fear of certain colors, like blue, is actually not uncommon in people with dementia.
Dementia can change how the brain processes visual information. As the disease progresses, it becomes harder for the brain to interpret what the eyes are seeing. This can lead to visual misperceptions and even hallucinations[1].
For some reason, the color blue seems to be particularly troublesome for certain dementia patients. There are a few theories about why this might be:
Blue can appear hazy or blurry to people with dementia. This blurriness might be unsettling or confusing.
Some experts think blue may remind dementia patients of water, which could trigger fears of drowning or falling.
The brain changes from dementia can alter color perception. Blues and purples are often the first colors people with dementia have trouble distinguishing[2].
In your mother’s case, her fear of blue could stem from a specific memory or association that’s been distorted by the dementia. Maybe she had a scary experience involving something blue in the past.
It’s also possible that blue objects appear threatening or unfamiliar to her because of how her brain is processing that color now. What looks clearly blue to you might look very different and frightening through her eyes.
The important thing is to respond with patience and reassurance. Remove blue items that seem to upset her. Use warm, soothing colors in her environment instead. And remember – her fear is very real to her, even if the reason for it doesn’t make sense to you.
If the fear of blue is severely impacting her quality of life, talk to her doctor. They may be able to suggest ways to help manage the issue. With some adjustments and understanding, you can help your mother feel more comfortable and at ease in her surroundings.
