If you’re caring for a senior loved one with dementia, you may be wondering if he or she is aware of the condition and what he or she is experiencing. The answer varies, but oftentimes older adults with some form of dementia aren’t fully aware of their confusion. However, there are other factors that go into determining if seniors with dementia know they’re confused.
Early Signs of Confusion
It’s not unusual for a senior beginning to have issues with confusion related to dementia to assume there’s another explanation. Even caregivers sometimes dismiss early signs of confusion as being related to normal aging or associated with other factors. This is when it’s important to get a more accurate diagnosis if this step hasn’t been taken already.
Denial
Some seniors have a natural tendency to deny confusion associated with dementia. This is partially based on each individual’s personality and willingness to accept what he or she is experiencing. In this case, it’s possible your loved one does know what’s going on but isn’t yet ready to accept it.
Anosognosia
Seniors are sometimes completely unaware they’re confused because of a condition called anosognosia. It’s important to know anosognosia isn’t the same as denial. It’s a medical condition that may be associated with dementia.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, anosognosia is defined as a lack of self-awareness of medical or health-related issues. It’s believed to be caused by cell damage that occurs in the prefrontal lobes in the brain. Cells in this area may become damaged by a stroke or due to the advancement of certain types of dementia.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of in-home care families may trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
A General Lack of Symptom Awareness
With progressive forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, seniors may reach a point where they’re not aware of their condition or confusion. Even when this is happening, there may be periods of awareness that come and go. With Alzheimer’s, some seniors experience “sundowning,” referring to late-afternoon or later-day confusion. According to research cited in the journal Frontiers in Psychiatry, seniors may also be unaware of dementia-related confusion due to:
• Poor awareness of cognitive deficits
• A loss of insight
• Impaired self-consciousness
Families looking for top-rated Northern Kentucky home care providers may reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we may make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Handling Dementia-Related Confusion
Start by getting a feel for what likely applies to your loved one as far as awareness of the confusion goes. If it seems like your loved one is in denial, it may be helpful to have a trusted third party, such as your loved one’s regular doctor, be part of the discussion. When your loved one is likely not aware of the confusion, it’s best not to call attention to it. Doing so may contribute to more confusion or frustration. Typically, it’s advised to handle dementia-related confusion by:
• Being understanding and empathetic
• Keeping tasks and conversations simpler during periods of confusion
• Checking with your loved one’s doctor to see if there are ways to minimize confusion
• Adjusting how you speak to your loved one to enhance comprehension (e.g., using names when speaking about other individuals)
Aging in place may present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they may still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Northern Kentucky families may rely on Assisting Hands Home Care of Northern Kentucky to provide their aging loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. If you need professional home care for your loved one, our Care Managers are just a phone call away. Reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care today at (859) 328-2656.
