Caring for someone with dementia involves navigating various challenges, one of which is the alteration in sensory perceptions. These changes can significantly impact how individuals with dementia experience the world, affecting their comfort, behaviour, and overall quality of life.

By understanding these sensory changes, carers can implement strategies to enhance the well-being of their loved ones.

How Dementia Affects Sensory Perception

Dementia can lead to changes in how a person perceives their environment, including:

Vision: Individuals may experience difficulty interpreting visual information, leading to misperceptions or misidentifications. For example, a dark rug might be perceived as a hole in the floor, causing hesitation or fear.

Hearing: There may be challenges in processing auditory information, resulting in difficulty distinguishing sounds or increased sensitivity to noise. This can lead to confusion or agitation in noisy environments.

Touch: Altered sensitivity to temperature and pressure can occur, potentially causing discomfort or unawareness of extreme temperatures. This might result in a person not recognising that water is too hot or cold.

Smell and Taste: A diminished ability to recognise smells and tastes can affect appetite and nutrition, leading to changes in eating habits or disinterest in food.

Strategies for Carers

To support individuals experiencing sensory changes due to dementia, consider the following approaches:

Lighting: Ensure rooms are well-lit to reduce shadows, which can cause confusion. Use natural light when possible and consider nightlights to assist with orientation during the night.

Reduce Clutter: Keep living spaces tidy to minimise visual distractions and potential hazards. Simplifying the environment can help the individual focus and feel more at ease.

Control Background Noise: Limit the use of televisions or radios simultaneously, as multiple sounds can be overwhelming. Soft, calming music may be beneficial, but always observe the individual's reactions.

Use Assistive Devices: If hearing loss is present, ensure that hearing aids are functioning correctly and used consistently.

Flavourful Foods: Prepare meals with aromatic herbs and spices to stimulate appetite, considering any dietary restrictions.

Regular Meals: Establish a routine for meals to provide consistency, which can be comforting.

Comfortable Clothing: Choose soft, non-restrictive fabrics to prevent discomfort.

Temperature Awareness: Regularly check water temperatures and room climate to ensure they are appropriate, as the individual may not express discomfort.

Contrasting Colours: Use contrasting colours for essential items and furniture to help distinguish them. For example, placing a white plate on a dark placemat can make it easier to see.

Simplify Patterns: Avoid complex patterns that might cause visual confusion.

Aromatherapy: Introduce pleasant scents, such as lavender or citrus, which may have calming effects.

Tactile Stimulation: Provide objects with various textures for the individual to touch and hold, like soft fabrics or stress balls.

Vision and Hearing: Schedule routine examinations to address any correctable impairments, such as updating eyeglass prescriptions or treating ear infections.

Being Observant

Each person with dementia is unique, and their sensory experiences can vary widely. It's essential to observe their reactions to different environments and stimuli, adjusting care approaches as needed. Patience and empathy are crucial, as these sensory changes can be distressing for the individual.

By understanding and addressing sensory changes, carers can significantly improve the comfort and quality of life for those living with dementia.

Note: This blog is for informational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have concerns about sensory changes in someone with dementia, consult a healthcare professional for personalised guidance.