Living with Dementia

As dementia progresses, mobility changes like the ability to walk or get out of bed can occur.

Causes include:

• Changes and reduction in vision
• Balance issues
• Loss of muscle strength
• Medication

Tips to navigate mobility changes:

• Encourage physical activity to maintain muscle strength and weight.
• Keep the environment safe by reducing clutter and scenarios that might increase the risk of falling.

Persons with dementia may experience visual changes such as:

• Difficulty seeing in three dimensions
• Loss of peripheral vision
• Difficulty understanding distance
• Mistaking objects for something else
• Viewing items on TV or in paintings as real
• Hallucinations

Tips to navigate with vision changes:

• Use contrasting colors: Bright colors can help people with dementia view objects easier. For example, a bright red plate or cup can help them identify food and drinks.
• Modify lighting: Gradually light a room as they are slower to adjust to changes in light. Use adequate lighting to reduce shadows and switch from natural light during the day to softer lighting at night.
• Maintain familiarity and avoid clutter: Create a familiar environment and avoid rearranging the room layout. Remove clutter to reduce the risk of falls.
• Speak in front of them: Stand in front of a person with dementia to help improve communication as they may lose peripheral vision.

Persons with dementia often experience significant changes in sleep patterns, including difficulty sleeping, daytime sleeping, and sundowning.

Tips to navigate sleep problems and sundowning:

• Create a soothing environment: Use soothing music, reduce noise, and ensure privacy.
• Establish an evening routine: Include activities like listening to music, reading, or going for a walk.
• Prevent sundowning: Ensure natural light exposure during the day, encourage physical activity, avoid too many activities in one day, and limit naps and caffeinated drinks late in the day.

As dementia progresses, a person will be unable to drive. Signs they should stop driving include:

• Forgetting destinations or directions
• Inability to follow traffic signs
• Speeding or driving too slow
• Difficulty controlling the vehicle
• New dents or scrapes on the car
• Confusion between gas and brake pedals
• Taking longer than needed for errands

The Alzheimer’s Association provides resources to help plan for this conversation and explore transportation options.