A psychologist has examined what a three-word phrase might mean when uttered by someone living with dementia. Whilst the expert was careful to avoid making an oversimplified ‘blanket statement’, she suggested it could stem from anxiety or concerns about safety.
Dr Kellyn Lee, CEO of the Dementia Care Hub, offered her expert view in a recent TikTok video responding to a viewer’s comment about what it signifies when a dementia patient asks ‘to go home’. Despite acknowledging that every situation is different, she also provided guidance on how to support those going through this experience.
“So, what she said is, ‘When someone with dementia is asking to go home, they are saying they don’t feel safe,'” Dr Lee said. “But we also can’t discount the fact that if somebody is living in a care home, for example, they may well be asking to go home because they don’t feel that this is home. They don’t recognise it as their home.
“And it may never be their home. So, it can’t be just a blanket statement that it’s saying that they don’t feel safe. It could be that actually they just want to go home. Absolutely, though there are a lot of people that are living with dementia, because of the cognitive impairment, because the messages aren’t flowing through as they should be, because perception isn’t quite what it should be, this can create high levels of anxiety.”
Dementia is an umbrella term encompassing a range of symptoms associated with the progressive deterioration of brain function. According to NHS statistics, more than 944,000 people are currently living with dementia throughout the UK, with Alzheimer’s disease representing the most prevalent type.
Whilst dementia is commonly linked with memory loss, the condition can also trigger a variety of additional symptoms, including significant changes in mood. Increased irritability, anxiety and depression feature amongst these symptoms, which may potentially intensify as time goes on.
Dr Lee continued: “So, when we have high levels of anxiety, what we can see are people in fight or flight. So, when people are asking to leave, it’s because they may not feel ok. So they are in that flight mode.
“So, what you need to do is you need to support that by validating the fact that they want to leave. What I would typically do with somebody is I will put my arm in their arm, or might rub their arm as I’m walking with them and we would go for a walk in order to allow the anxiety to work through that person.
“Cut stimulation – we don’t need stimulation. I don’t need to be asking them lots of questions. I just need to be reassuring them that, ‘Do you know what? I’ve got you. I’m here with you.’ and ‘Let’s go for a walk and let’s walk this through.'”
Official advice from the Alzheimer’s Society also builds on Dr Lee’s thoughts. In cases where someone is worried or fearful, it advises: “Help the person find the right time and space to share their thoughts.
“If something very upsetting or traumatic has happened recently or in the past, the person may find it helpful to talk about them. If these conversations are too difficult or sensitive, or the person doesn’t feel comfortable talking to someone they know, ask a professional counsellor or therapist for help first.”
For more information, visit the Alzheimer’s Society’s website here.
Potential symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease
The World Health Organisation states that Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent form of dementia, making up approximately 60 to 70% of cases. Early warning signs usually manifest as mild memory lapses, such as forgetting people’s names or being unable to recall recent conversations.
Yet as the illness progresses, the NHS warns that additional symptoms may emerge, including:
- Hallucinations
- Difficulties with communication, speech or language
- Trouble making decisions
- Confusion, disorientation or getting lost in familiar places
- Low moods and anxiety
- Behavioural changes – increasing aggression or suspicion
- Problems moving around without assistance
Advice from the NHS adds: “There’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but medicines are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms. Various other types of support are also available to help people with Alzheimer’s live as independently as possible, such as making changes to your home environment so it’s easier to move around and remember daily tasks.
“Psychological treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy may also be offered to help support your memory, problem-solving skills and language ability.”
Anyone experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease should consult their GP. More information is available on the NHS website.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
