Home > Living Well with Dementia > Emotional Support
Emotional Impacts of Dementia
Dementia can have several impacts on an individual’s emotions and feelings. Individuals who are newly diagnosed with dementia may be more prone to anxiety because they understand the diagnosis and know that there is no cure. This often leads to feelings of fear and worry about their future and how the disease will progress.[1]
Individuals with dementia often experience mood swings as a result of progressive cognitive decline.[2] Declining cognitive abilities and loss of factual memories can lead to heightened emotional responses to situations, which can cause challenges for both the individual and their caregivers. These emotional changes may manifest as overreactions, rapid mood swings, irritability, or a tendency to appear distant and uninterested in activities.
Recognizing that these emotional changes are a result of brain damage can make it easier to understand and support individuals with dementia. It is important to acknowledge that these shifts in emotions are not the individuals’ fault, but are the result of brain damage and dementia itself.
Emotional Impacts of Dementia
Dementia can have several impacts on an individual’s emotions and feelings. Individuals who are newly diagnosed with dementia may be more prone to anxiety because they understand the diagnosis and know that there is no cure. This often leads to feelings of fear and worry about their future and how the disease will progress.[1]
Individuals with dementia often experience mood swings as a result of progressive cognitive decline.[2] Declining cognitive abilities and loss of factual memories can lead to heightened emotional responses to situations, which can cause challenges for both the individual and their caregivers. These emotional changes may manifest as overreactions, rapid mood swings, irritability, or a tendency to appear distant and uninterested in activities.
Recognizing that these emotional changes are a result of brain damage can make it easier to understand and support individuals with dementia. It is important to acknowledge that these shifts in emotions are not the individuals’ fault, but are the result of brain damage and dementia itself.
Tips for Individuals with Dementia: Overcoming Emotional Challenges
- Recognize and accept your emotions and feelings.
- Explore coping mechanisms that effectivelyhelp you manage your emotions. Some examples include talking to someone, practicing meditation, participating in religious activities, or seeking support.
- Express your feelings and needs to your family members, friends, or someone else that you trust.
- Check if your local Alzheimer’s Society or community centre offers in-person or online support groups.
- Actively participate in the decision-making process and planning for your future needs.
Learn more about “What Should You Plan Ahead?” - Join social activities that are not dementia-related and make friends outside the dementia circle.
Tips for Caregivers: Addressing Emotional Needs of Individuals with Dementia
- Be patient, empathetic, and responsive to the emotional cues of individuals with dementia.
- Practice active listening, and strive to recognize and respond to their emotions and feelings.
- Do not disregard their concerns. Instead, listen attentively and demonstrate your support.
- Foster a positive and supportive environment by being compassionate and trying to understand and address their emotional needs.
- Offer praise and encouragement, and try to approach every situation with a positive attitude, especially when they feel frustrated.
- Provide support in decision-making processes and assist them in planning for the future.
Tips for Individuals with Dementia: Overcoming Emotional Challenges
- Recognize and accept your emotions and feelings.
- Explore coping mechanisms that effectivelyhelp you manage your emotions. Some examples include talking to someone, practicing meditation, participating in religious activities, or seeking support.
- Express your feelings and needs to your family members, friends, or someone else that you trust.
- Check if your local Alzheimer’s Society or community centre offers in-person or online support groups.
- Actively participate in the decision-making process and planning for your future needs.
Learn more about “What Should You Plan Ahead?” - Join social activities that are not dementia-related and make friends outside the dementia circle.
Tips for Caregivers: Addressing Emotional Needs of Individuals with Dementia
- Be patient, empathetic, and responsive to the emotional cues of individuals with dementia.
- Practice active listening, and strive to recognize and respond to their emotions and feelings.
- Do not disregard their concerns. Instead, listen attentively and demonstrate your support.
- Foster a positive and supportive environment by being compassionate and trying to understand and address their emotional needs.
- Offer praise and encouragement, and try to approach every situation with a positive attitude, especially when they feel frustrated.
- Provide support in decision-making processes and assist them in planning for the future.
Useful Resources
- Alzheimer Society of Canada: Managing emotions and the stress of living with dementia
- Alzheimer’s Society: The psychological and emotional impact of dementia
- The Hong Kong Geriatric Society:Dementia – 08:Managing emotions of individuals living with dementia (Cantonese)
- More Useful Resources are Coming Soon!
References
[1] Riley, R. J., Burgener, S., & Buckwalter, K. C. (2014). Anxiety and stigma in dementia: A threat to aging in place. The Nursing clinics of North America. 2014 Jun; 49(2): 213–231. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2014.02.008
[2] Perach, R., Rusted, J., Harris, P. R., & Miles, E. (2021). Emotion regulation and decision-making in persons with dementia: A scoping review. Dementia (London, England). 2021 Jul; 20(5): 1832–1854. doi: 10.1177/1471301220971630.
