Dementia is a condition that can lead to a decline in cognitive abilities, affecting aspects such as thinking, memory, behavior, and language. It is a global concern, with the World Health Organization reporting that over 55 million people are affected by dementia, with an estimated 10 million new cases diagnosed annually. Alzheimer’s disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, accounts for approximately 60-70% of all cases.
One of the ways dementia can impact individuals is by altering their ability to express themselves emotionally and verbally. This can make it challenging for them to communicate their experiences of living with the condition. As a result, many loved ones are left wondering about the thoughts and feelings of those with dementia.
In this article, we will delve into what is known about the thought processes of dementia patients, as well as other key considerations for living with dementia.
Exploring the Minds of Those with Dementia
The human inclination to get lost in thought stems from our innate tendency to reflect. Our musings range from current personal affairs – relationships with family, friends, partners, to global events and daily responsibilities. Not only do we dwell on the present, but memories of yesteryear and anticipations for the future also frequent our thoughts.
Individuals with dementia often harbor the same varieties of thoughts as anyone else; their concerns may revolve around their dear ones, personal emotional and physical state, and daily occurrences. However, dementia can darken these reflections with feelings of solitude, disengagement, embarrassment, and bewilderment, as indicated by research in 2023.
Dementia’s impact can twist the fabric of these reflections, interfering with logical reasoning, emotional processing, and memory recall. The condition can impair judgment, obliterate recent and distant memories, and hinder navigation of the physical world, expression, and communication, consequently affecting their actions and interactions.
Awareness and Progression of Dementia
As a progressive disease, dementia steadily intensifies with time.During its nascent phases, individuals may recognize burgeoning symptoms, such as faltering recollection and struggles with previously routine tasks. Nonetheless, as dementia advances, particularly into its middle and final stages, self-awareness diminishes.
This lack of recognition leads to a puzzling world where the familiar becomes foreign, with the individual often unaware of the root cause. They may perceive their surroundings as altered or challenging, implicitly feeling as though it is the rest of the world that has changed, not themselves. This misunderstanding can easily cultivate feelings of anxiety, frustration, and distress.
Dementia encompasses a series of brain changes, impacting areas crucial for processing and managing emotions. Consequently, those with dementia often exhibit more intense emotional reactions than what is generally considered normal.
For those who care for individuals with dementia, it might be striking to observe that their emotional expressions are amplified. Mood fluctuations are common, with transitions from tranquility and engagement to frustration and agitation occurring swiftly. In certain instances, their behavior might become aggressive or seem hurtful, a stark contrast from their previous demeanor.
Witnessing these emotional and behavioral shifts in a loved one is undoubtedly distressing. It’s crucial to realize, however, that these reactions are not deliberate choices. They are frequently a direct consequence of the physical alterations dementia inflicts on the brain. Furthermore, navigating the realities of dementia can be frightening and disorienting for those affected. Often, the heightened emotional responses may serve as a means for individuals in the advanced stages of dementia to communicate their needs when other avenues of expression are no longer viable.