Five Strategies to Address Denial in Alzheimer's Care

Denial is a common response when your loved one exhibits signs of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

You may notice they are increasingly forgetful, frequently misplacing items or putting them in odd places, and asking the same questions over and over—whether in person or on the phone. This may lead you to wonder if they could be showing early signs of Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

However, such symptoms do not necessarily indicate a dementia diagnosis.

You might also observe that they have stopped engaging in activities they once managed, like cooking, and have become more reliant on you. Their ability to focus and concentrate can diminish, even during simple activities like reading an article together.

When you suggest a doctor's visit to discuss these changes, they may react with anger, refusal, or denial, insisting that nothing is wrong. This reaction can become their default position, making every conversation about their health challenging.

As time progresses, the challenges may grow more severe, marked by a noticeable decline in personal hygiene, the wearing of the same clothes for days at a time, and altered eating and sleeping patterns.

Denial in this context is not merely stubbornness; it is a psychological reaction that allows them to cope with the situation, often driven by fear, depression, or shame.

They may feel overwhelmed by the implications of their symptoms, choosing to ignore them instead.

In this article, we explore five strategies for sensitively and effectively addressing the denial that can accompany the early signs of Alzheimer's or dementia. These approaches are designed to help both the person experiencing these changes and their caregivers navigate this difficult phase with empathy and understanding.

1- Approach Gently

Avoid confronting the issue directly. Instead, subtly suggest a visit to the doctor for a general health check-up, without specifically mentioning Alzheimer's or dementia. Various other conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid issues, urinary tract infections, or even stress and anxiety, can cause symptoms similar to dementia.

2- Practice Kindness

It can be incredibly frustrating when someone refuses to acknowledge the reality of their situation. However, it’s crucial to remain supportive and patient during conversations. Listen to their fears and anxieties without pressing the reality of the diagnosis. Their default reaction may be to get angry or deny any problems, but kindness can foster a more open dialogue.

3- Focus on Symptoms, Not Diagnosis

While not having a formal diagnosis can impact certain aspects of care—such as prescription medication availability and access to specific support groups—much of the care provided can still be tailored to their symptoms. Social services assessments, for example, focus on what difficulties the person is experiencing and what support they need, rather than the diagnosis.

4- Support for the Family

Turn the focus towards getting support for the family. If a doctor’s visit is arranged, it could also be an opportunity to discuss additional support for caregivers. Let them know that visiting the doctor could result in extra help, giving everyone involved a much-needed break.

5- Consider Legal Preparations

Discussing a Lasting Power of Attorney (POA) is not an easy conversation to have but can be crucial. For some people, making legal preparations can help them feel more in control of their future. This step ensures that their wishes are respected and that decisions can be made on their behalf if they become unable to do so themselves.