The Complex Awareness of Dementia: Do Individuals Recognise Their Condition?

I am often asked whether people living with dementia know they have it. People are keen to understand the answer as trying not to mention what everyone else in the room is very aware of can feel like treading on eggshells. However, the answer is more complex than a straightforward ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

Everyone living with dementia is on a bit of a journey. Many start with very mild symptoms and then progress over time to more obvious signs. Most people with these mild symptoms will be very aware of them and naturally will worry regardless of whether or not they share their concerns with others. Dementia journeys can vary tremendously in terms of pace and impact.

We all know how frustrating it is when you lose your keys or forget something on the shopping list. If you find this happening more and more often and that you also get muddled over something you used to be able to manage fine, you will be aware that something is not quite right. Some people are much more likely to share their concerns with friends and family than others but whether you choose to ignore it or do something about it is a personal choice.

From experience, I do think that most people living with dementia will go through a phase where they are aware that something is not right. Whether they actually remember that they have a diagnosis of dementia is perhaps irrelevant as it is more important that they can live their life without feeling too anxious or worried about what is going wrong.

Living with a disability

Somebody who is living with dementia is living with the disability of a reduced cognitive function. It is very different from a physical disability such as a broken leg which is very visible and obvious to everyone as to what is wrong and what the limitations are likely to be. For someone with dementia, what they are capable of doing is less clear. This can lead to frustration, confusion or conflict and they might miss out on things that are still possible.

Over the years, I have met a few people living with dementia who are very aware of their condition and can communicate their frustrations and limitations quite clearly. This is quite unusual but, hopefully, with society developing more awareness and understanding of dementia it will become easier for those with the condition to be more open and honest about it.

In summary, most people living with dementia are aware some of the time that something is not right. They may feel worried and sensitive about how they are feeling so care should be taken by those around them on how they interact so as not to cause any unnecessary upset.

To gain more advice and knowledge come to my next free Dementia Awareness session at 11am on the 10 November at the Farnham Maltings. Book through the Farnham Maltings.

Alastair Shanks, Owner Right at Home and Dementia Friends Champion