Family caregivers often express concern that when they try discuss the changes in memory and ability of the person with dementia, they become defensive, agitated as though the person has no idea that they are showing symptoms or that their abilities are changing. The medical term for this is “anosognosia” and it means a loss of awareness about limitations, or “without knowledge of disease”. Read more about dealing with from a Family Caregiver's Perspective here: www.dementiacarers.ca/when-th...
Doesn’t the person know that they have dementia?
They may not. What can be perceived as denial or being stubborn can actually be a lack of awareness that there are any deficits.
When anosognosia occurs there is a limited ability to have insight into ones true abilities. This can be selective or complete, and it can impact their memory, general thinking skills, emotions and physical abilities. This is a neurological problem resulting in damage to certain parts of the brain.
This video offers some important perspectives and possible strategies you can follow to address the challenges that you'll face as a caregiver/ care partner when you have to address concerns about driving.
Have you faced this dilemma? What were the challenges and what did you find helpful?