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Dementia Tips & Resources

Frankie Strawder ·etoSorpsnd 3tu6l6yb09604rFcu175ua4aaultula581ce61a6lhcf9lgr0 ·

Question
Do people with dementia know they have it?

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제시된 문서는 치매 환자가 자신의 상태를 인지하고 있는지에 대한 간병인들과 당사자들의 다양한 경험과 의견을 담은 소셜 미디어 게시물 및 댓글의 모음이다. 이 글을 통해 질병의 진행 단계, 뇌의 손상 부위, 그리고 환자 개인의 성향에 따라 인지 상태가 얼마나 극적으로 달라지는지 확인할 수 있다.

치매 환자의 자가 인식에 관한 요약

1. 인지 상태의 다양성과 단계별 변화

치매 환자의 자가 인식 여부는 <그때그때 다르다>고 할 만큼 스펙트럼이 넓다.

초기 단계: 많은 이들이 초기에는 자신의 뇌가 예전 같지 않음을 직감한다. <내 머리가 이상하다>, <뇌가 더 이상 작동하지 않는다>라고 표현하거나 건망증에 대해 좌절감을 느끼기도 한다.
진행 단계: 질병이 심화됨에 따라 점차 <거부>나 <망각>의 단계로 접어든다. 자신이 치매라는 사실을 들었어도 5분 뒤면 잊어버리거나, TV 속 인물이 자신과 대화한다고 믿는 등 현실과는 동떨어진 세계에 살게 된다.
간헐적 통찰: 어떤 환자들은 평소에는 인지하지 못하다가도 <창문이 열리듯> 아주 짧은 순간 명료하게 자신의 상태를 깨닫고 슬퍼하기도 한다.

2. 병식 결여: 아노소그노시아 (Anosognosia)

문서에서 중요하게 다루어지는 개념은 단순한 부정(Denial)이 아닌 **아노소그노시아(Anosognosia, 병식 실인증)**이다.

이는 전두엽 손상 등으로 인해 뇌가 자신의 결함을 스스로 인식하지 못하는 생물학적 증상이다.
환자는 고집을 부리는 것이 아니라 진심으로 자신이 정상이라고 믿으며, 썩은 식료품을 방치하면서도 <아무 문제 없다>고 주장할 수 있다.

3. 간병인들의 대응 전략

환자의 인지 여부에 따라 간병인들은 각기 다른 정서적, 실무적 대응을 선택한다.

선의의 거짓말과 단어 선택: <치매>라는 단어가 주는 공포와 수치심을 피하기 위해 <나이 탓>, <뇌의 피로>, <심한 단기 기억 상실> 등으로 돌려 말하며 안심시킨다.
현실 수용과 전환: 환자와 논쟁하는 것은 의미가 없으므로 그들의 세계관을 인정해주고, 불편한 상황에서는 화제를 재빨리 전환하는 방식을 사용한다.
존중과 보호: 인지 여부와 상관없이 환자를 지능적인 성인으로 대우하며 사랑과 신뢰를 주는 것이 공통된 지향점이다.

치매의 불투명성과 간병의 윤리에 관한 평론

이 문서는 치매라는 질병이 환자 본인과 그 가족에게 안겨주는 <인지의 비대칭성>에 대해 깊은 성찰을 요구한다. 치매 환자가 자신이 아프다는 것을 아는 것이 나은가, 아니면 모르는 것이 나은가에 대한 정답 없는 질문은 간병의 핵심적인 딜레마를 관통한다.

인지라는 이름의 고통과 안식

역설적이게도 환자가 자신의 병을 인지할 때 고통은 극대화된다. <내가 예전보다 못해졌다>는 자각은 공포와 우울, 수치심을 유발하며, 이는 환자를 더욱 위축시킨다. 반면, 질병이 깊어져 자각이 사라진 상태는 곁을 지키는 가족에게는 <사랑하는 이의 상실>이라는 비극이지만, 환자 본인에게는 자신의 비참함을 깨닫지 못하는 <슬픈 안식>이 되기도 한다.

아노소그노시아: 의지의 문제가 아닌 뇌의 문제

가장 인상적인 지점은 <병식 결여>를 성격적 결함이나 고집이 아닌, 뇌 과학적 현상으로 이해해야 한다는 조언이다. 간병인들이 환자의 부정을 보며 겪는 답답함과 분노는 이것이 생물학적 증상임을 깨달을 때 비로소 연민으로 치환될 수 있다. 환자는 거짓말을 하는 것이 아니라, 손상된 뇌가 보여주는 제한된 현실 속에서 최선을 다해 살아가고 있을 뿐이다.

소통의 재정의: 진실보다 중요한 것은 안녕이다

많은 가족이 <치매>라는 명칭을 숨기는 행위는 기만이라기보다, 환자의 존엄성을 지키기 위한 최후의 방어선으로 읽힌다. 이는 소통의 목적이 <객관적 사실 전달>이 아니라 <정서적 안전과 평화>에 있어야 함을 시사한다. <당신은 치매입니다>라는 명확한 진단명보다 <내가 당신을 지켜주겠다>는 따뜻한 손잡음이 치매라는 블랙홀 속에서 더 강력한 이정표가 된다는 사실이 수많은 경험담을 통해 증명된다.

결국 이 문서는 치매 간병이 단순히 환자를 돌보는 기술이 아니라, 무너져가는 타자의 세계관 속에 기꺼이 동행하며 그들의 부서진 조각들을 사랑으로 메워가는 숭고한 과정임을 보여준다.

치매 환자의 인지 상태에 대해 더 구체적인 단계별 대처법이나 특정 유형(예: 알츠하이머 vs 혈관성 치매)에 따른 차이점이 궁금하신가요?

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다음은 업로드된 글에 대한 <800단어 요약+평론>입니다.
(한국어 → 영어 순서로 제공합니다)

1. 요약 (Summary)

이 자료는 “치매 환자는 자신의 상태를 알고 있는가?”라는 질문에 대해 다양한 가족·돌봄자들의 실제 경험을 모은 온라인 대화 기록이다. 단일한 결론이 아니라, 매우 다양한 사례들이 반복적으로 제시되며 하나의 공통된 패턴을 드러낸다.

첫째, <초기 단계에서는 인식이 존재하는 경우가 많다>. 많은 사례에서 환자는 “내 머리가 이상하다”, “기억이 안 된다”는 식으로 자신의 변화에 대한 자각을 보인다. 심지어 스스로 검사를 요청하거나 진단을 받아들이는 경우도 있다. 그러나 이 인식은 종종 불안, 공포, 수치심을 동반한다.

둘째, <시간이 지나면서 인식은 점차 약화되거나 사라진다>. 병이 진행되면 환자는 자신의 상태를 정확히 이해하지 못하거나, 상황을 과소평가하거나, 완전히 부정하는 경향을 보인다. 중요한 점은 이것이 단순한 “부정(denial)”이 아니라, 뇌 기능 손상으로 인해 자기 상태를 인식하지 못하는 “병적 무인식(anosognosia)”이라는 것이다 .

셋째, <인식은 고정된 것이 아니라 변동적이다>. 같은 사람도 어떤 날은 자신의 문제를 인식하고, 어떤 날은 전혀 모르는 상태를 보인다. 즉, “알기도 하고 모르기도 하는” 상태가 반복된다.

넷째, <가족과 돌봄자의 대응 전략이 매우 특징적이다>. 대부분의 돌봄자들은 ‘치매’라는 단어를 직접 사용하지 않거나, 가능한 한 회피한다. 대신 “나이가 들어서 그렇다”, “기억이 좀 약해진 것”이라는 식으로 완화된 설명을 사용한다. 이는 환자의 불안을 줄이기 위한 의도이다.

다섯째, <현실 수정보다 감정 안정이 더 중요하다>는 실천적 지혜가 공유된다. 많은 사례에서 환자의 인식을 교정하려고 하면 갈등과 분노가 발생하며, 오히려 상황이 악화된다. 따라서 “논쟁하지 말고, 그들의 현실에 맞춰라”는 원칙이 반복된다.

여섯째, <치매 경험은 환자뿐 아니라 가족에게도 심리적 고통을 준다>. 죄책감, 좌절, 감정 소진, 그리고 “이 병이 사랑하는 사람을 빼앗아 간다”는 상실감이 강하게 표현된다.

결론적으로 이 자료는 “치매 환자는 알고 있는가?”라는 질문에 대해 다음과 같은 답을 제시한다:

→ 초기에는 부분적으로 안다
→ 진행되면서 점점 모르게 된다
→ 그 사이에는 ‘단속적인 인식’이 존재한다

2. 평론 (Critical Review)

이 자료의 가장 큰 가치는 <이론이 아니라 경험의 집적>이라는 점이다. 의학적 논문이 아니라 실제 돌봄 현장에서 나온 목소리이기 때문에, 치매의 ‘인지적 구조’뿐 아니라 ‘관계적 현실’을 생생하게 드러낸다.

1) 인식 문제의 핵심: ‘지식’이 아니라 ‘구조’

이 글에서 중요한 통찰은 치매 환자의 “모른다”는 상태가 단순한 심리적 부정이 아니라, 뇌의 구조적 손상이라는 점이다. 이는 윤리적으로 매우 중요한 의미를 갖는다.

환자는 고집을 부리는 것이 아니다
현실을 왜곡하려는 것이 아니다
<현실을 반영할 능력 자체가 손상된 것>이다

이 관점은 돌봄 방식 전체를 바꾼다. 설득이나 논쟁이 아니라, “환경과 감정 조절”이 핵심이 된다.

2) 진실 말하기 vs 보호하기의 윤리

이 자료에서 가장 반복되는 딜레마는 이것이다:

→ 환자에게 진실을 말해야 하는가, 아니면 보호해야 하는가?

대부분의 사례는 “말하지 않는다”는 선택을 한다. 이유는 분명하다:

이해하지 못한다
곧 잊어버린다
대신 공포와 고통만 남는다

이는 전통적인 “정직성 윤리”와 충돌한다. 그러나 치매 돌봄에서는 다음과 같은 실천적 윤리가 등장한다:

→ “사실 전달”보다 “정서적 안정”이 우선이다

이 점은 매우 현실적이며, 동시에 깊은 윤리적 논쟁을 불러일으킬 수 있는 지점이다.

3) ‘현실 공유’ 대신 ‘현실 적응’

이 자료에서 반복되는 조언은 매우 명확하다:

→ 환자의 현실을 교정하지 말고, 그 현실 안으로 들어가라

이는 일반적인 인간 관계의 원칙과는 정반대다. 보통 우리는 “사실을 바로잡는 것”을 중요하게 여기지만, 치매 상황에서는 그것이 오히려 해롭다.

이 점은 치매를 단순한 질병이 아니라, <다른 현실 체계로의 이동>으로 이해하게 만든다.

4) 감정의 지속, 인지의 붕괴

이 자료에서 또 하나 중요한 관찰은 이것이다:

인지는 무너진다
그러나 감정은 남는다

후기 단계에서 환자는 상황을 이해하지 못하지만, 불안·두려움·사랑 같은 감정은 여전히 강하게 경험한다.

따라서 돌봄의 핵심은 정보 전달이 아니라:

→ 안전감, 신뢰, 반복적 위로

로 이동한다.

5) 가족의 고통: 보이지 않는 2차 피해

이 자료는 치매 환자보다 오히려 돌봄자의 고통을 강하게 드러낸다.

죄책감 (화낸 것에 대한)
무력감 (변화를 막을 수 없음)
슬픔 (점진적 상실)

이는 치매가 단순한 개인 질환이 아니라:

→ <관계 전체를 붕괴시키는 질병>

임을 보여준다.

3. 결론

이 자료는 단순한 질문에 대해 매우 복합적인 답을 제시한다.

→ 치매는 “기억의 상실”이 아니라
→ “자기 인식 능력의 붕괴 과정”이다

그리고 그 결과:

진실보다 안정이 중요해지고
논리보다 관계가 중요해지며
설명보다 공감이 중요해진다

이 글의 핵심 메시지는 결국 이것이다:

→ 치매 돌봄은 ‘이해시키는 일’이 아니라
→ ‘함께 견디는 관계’이다

English Version

Summary + Review (800 words)

This document compiles real-life caregiver responses to the question: “Do people with dementia know they have it?” Rather than offering a single answer, it reveals recurring patterns across diverse experiences.

First, in early stages, many individuals show awareness. They express concern about memory loss or confusion and sometimes seek diagnosis themselves. However, this awareness often brings anxiety, fear, or shame.

Second, as dementia progresses, awareness declines. Individuals may deny their condition, minimize it, or fail to recognize it altogether. Importantly, this is not simple denial but often <anosognosia>—a neurological inability to perceive one’s own deficits .

Third, awareness is fluctuating. The same person may alternate between insight and complete unawareness.

Fourth, caregivers develop consistent strategies: many avoid using the word “dementia,” opting instead for softer explanations (“aging,” “memory issues”) to reduce distress.

Fifth, emotional stability takes priority over factual correction. Attempts to correct the patient’s perception often lead to agitation. Instead, caregivers emphasize validation, reassurance, and redirection.

Finally, dementia deeply affects caregivers. Emotional exhaustion, guilt, and grief are prominent themes, highlighting that dementia is not only a cognitive disorder but a relational one.

Critical Insight

The most important contribution of this text is its shift from a knowledge-based to a structural understanding of awareness. The patient’s “not knowing” is not stubbornness but neurological limitation.

This leads to a key ethical shift:
→ Truth-telling becomes secondary to emotional well-being.

The caregiving model changes from correction to adaptation:
→ Enter the patient’s reality rather than forcing them into ours.

Another key insight is the separation of cognition and emotion. Even as reasoning declines, emotional experience persists. Thus, care must focus on safety, comfort, and trust.

Finally, the text reveals dementia as a relational collapse:
→ Not just loss of memory, but loss of shared reality.

Conclusion

Dementia is not simply forgetting—it is the gradual breakdown of self-awareness.

And therefore:

Logic gives way to empathy
Truth gives way to comfort
Explanation gives way to presence

Care, ultimately, becomes not about fixing—but about accompanying.

원하시면
→ <치매 돌봄의 윤리: 진실 vs 보호> 심화 분석
→ <치매 단계별 인식 변화 모델 (초기–중기–후기)> 구조도

도 이어서 정리해드릴 수 있습니다.

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Alison Rowe

I can say that I've had conversations with my mum when she knows she is confused or if I remind her of things that we may have spoken about. She will sometimes say. O. I remember now. She said to me one time. What's wrong with me. I said. Nothing mum. You are just a little forgetful sometimes and reassured her it was not a big deal that everyone forgets things. We don't mention the word Dementia. X

CrazyChicken720

Alison Rowe I'm the same with my mum who used to work in care homes when I was little . She used to say she hoped she'd never end up crazy like some of her patients . .now she keeps saying there something wrong with her head today . . . . .very sad . . But we can't tell her the truth . . .

Alison Rowe

CrazyChicken720 . Quickly changing the subject and saying something funny about anything atall will imo take their brain away from what was making them uncomfortable. It usually works. It's very hard i know. X

Helle Howarth

CrazyChicken720 my mum's biggest fear too

Alisa Ranson

Alison Rowe When my Dad says "I don't know what's wrong with me" when he gets confused I just remind him he has a nearly 60 yo daughter, which means he must be ancient, and his brain is naturally just a bit tired as a result. Gives him a smile. I try to acknowledge it, ask if something is wrong or worrying him, and try to let him know we've got it in hand together. I just sit and hold his hand sometimes and say whatever is going on I'm here, and I'll keep you safe. It's such a hard journey.

Alison Rowe

Alisa Ranson I say to my Mum. Jeez mum i forget things all the time. I say bloody hell mum your 85. Im 63. It's not a big deal being confused now and then or forgetting something. I have and won't lie. I have really struggled this past year. Felt like I was drowning. In a black hole. You learn as time goes on how to approach situations differently. I have had some positive advice from my sister who has a calming approach to Dementia. I used to get frustrated with my mum which I cried many times with feelings of guilt which makes you feel even worse and more exhausted than ever. I have read a lot through Google on what they are going through and how to approach it better. Definitely changing the subject and conversation with my mum has definitely worked for me. X

SYand Lynn Moseley

Alisa Ranson that’s so kind of you.

Alison Kizmet

Mom does. Often says “my brain doesn’t work anymore”.

Anonymous member 306

Yes, sometimes in the very beginning they know something is off & wrong. Then the disease swallows them & they don’t know up from down.

Louisa Halgryn

Anonymous member 306

I hate this disease... It steel our loved ones

Anonymous member 211

Anonymous member 306

I have been with my husband 24/7 through it all, since his diagnosis.

He is at level 7f.

He still asks me what happened to him.

Anonymous member 211

Does your husband still live in the same house with you?

Frankie Strawder

Anonymous member 211 My husband does

Anonymous member 328

My mom knew when it was first coming on. She kept talking about it and we all thought she was getting herself all worked up. The diagnosis finally came, and she completely went into denial and symptoms tanked nearly overnight. Year later and she knows she is miserable, but can't articulate what and just knows she "wants out". If the word is presented to her when she asks what's wrong, why she can't drive, etc. she gets furious!

Alison Rowe

Anonymous member 328 we avoid the word x

Alisa Ranson

Alison Rowe me too. It creates fear and is unproductive at this stage.

Karen Bohle

Alison Rowe same, my hubby, puts it down to getting older bad memory, no Ned to say otherwise, it won’t change it sadly.

Alison Rowe

Alisa Ranson absolutely. X

Jeanne Paul

Anonymous member 328 I need to learn to be much better with mom. She gets so upset with me regarding her finances, or her driving. I’m trying to protect her but she thinks I’m just controlling her and she’s in denial about the x. She also has stage 4 colon cancer but doesn’t remember it so I guess there are benefits.

Alisa Ranson

Jeanne Paul I hear you! 100%. My Dad similar, but unfortunately due to forgetting/being unaware of health issues means also being very resistant to health related prompting.

Luisa Andersen

My father thinks he is fine.

Katie Guidry

Luisa Andersen Same with my mom.

Meg Hannigan

My LO does… I often think what is better? To know or not to know?

Ailsa Dinnes

Whether they have insight depends on where is affected. Lack of insight isn’t the same as denial, it can be a symptom of the dementia. It is called anosognosia and I understand it is caused by damage to the frontal lobes of the brain.

Citaly Covarrubias

Ailsa Dinnes Awareness of dementia can vary a lot. Some people simply aren’t able to recognize their difficulties because of how the brain is affected, especially the frontal lobes. It’s not denial it’s part of the condition. For more real life experiences and guidance, Landscape Hub is a great resource for caregivers navigating this.

Louisa Schut

Frontal lobe often do not believe it at first because it doesn't affect memory till a long time later

Anonymous member 873

Usually no, my LO would say he was fine. As groceries were rotting in the car, he wasn’t taking his meds right and not handling his bills.

But as far as he was concerned he was "just fine"

Sharon Black

Depends not all dementia is the same

Ellie Jane

Some yes, some no.

Sandy Davisson Randel

I have MCI or maybe a little worse than that. And oh! I am very well aware of my situation. One of my children tends my taxes and the other my checkbook. How lucky can I be?

Michelle Mills

And never argue with them, you should always be in their reality wherever they may be at the time

Samantha Hazelgrove

Sometimes they do but most of the time they in denial its so sad

Majo Majo

Samantha Hazelgrove. You are so right about the denial. I'm at the point now for my peace of mind not to mention dementia in front of him. I figured later isn't going to matter

Samantha Hazelgrove

Majo Majo it wont matter but never argue with someone with dementia you will never win lol we lost our mum in the end with a stroke (2 weeks tomorrow she was 91 ) mum only had vascular dementia for 3 years and still enjoyed going out on her diamond days has we called it x

Edited

Alisa Carnall

Yes though as it progresses they might lose that knowledge.

Anonymous member 943

My sister knows and is scared we will " put her away"

Janea Woods

Anonymous member 943 I hope you guys don’t please don’t. It’s tough trust me it is but we can only love on them even more. Pray for her and start doing memory exercises with her and taking vitamin. Try to do what you can at the moment. It’s definitely sad because my Grandma has it I’m in denial that she’ll come back to herself. But she’s still herself she just forgets sometimes

Anonymous member 943

Janea Woods we would not. We cared for our mum for 15 years at home, where she passed in her sleep at age 90 from this horrible disease.

Debs Driver

Also on days when I know Mum will understand what I am saying...I say to her, if she is in a cuddle,,,'x that's your naughty Alzheimers brain Mum, its going to confuse the heck out of you so let's just talk this situation through..most of the time I can untangle her thought path, if she allows me to xx

Julie Christo

my friend Carol knows she has it , she was the one who asked her Dr to do a Dementia check on her, she immedietley sold her car ( she never felt comfortable driving to Big Towns anyway ..} and still does her own shopping , i still cant see it because she has always suffered from depression ..and to me she is no different .. she forgets names but she always did .. she makes shopping lists but she always did .. she is 1 year diagnosed ..

Cathy Davis Pierce

Julie Christo do you know how her Dr did the dementia check. My LO is only a few months in and we do not have a clear diagnosis at this point.

Julie Christo

Cathy Davis Pierce her Dr Referred her to a Dementia Nurse who came to her house a number of times , to watch her cooking and things like that .. we are in Scotland by the way .. x

Edited

Anonymous member 211

Cathy Davis Pierce

That depends on your insurance or if you are able to pay a Neuroscientolgist to do extensive testing.

Melanie Harward Perschon

My mom insists she's fine.

Rachel Woodard

Depends. Grandma does not. Sometimes she knows something's wrong, she's forgetting everything but went off on the PA at the doc office saying the PA called her all kinds of names and was mean and hateful. So we went and saw the actual MD today for the dx, but the doc doesn't think she'll take the dx well and told GMA it's all stress.

Citaly Covarrubias

Rachel Woodard It can be tricky some people notice changes, while others react to events without realizing it’s linked to dementia. Getting tips from others who’ve been through it can really help. Early Hub has plenty of real life strategies and insights for situations like this.

Anonymous member 211

My husband's doctor told him.

When he went for neurological testing, his Neuroscientolgist explained it to him.

He continues to this day, 6 years later, to ask me what happened to him.

He was already in a moderate to severe stage at the time of testing, but I continuously work with him.

He can still count and he knows who I am.

He calls our dog by name and still asks about the one that died 2 years ago, before he became bedridden.

I treat him like anyone else.

I believe that is why he is doing well.

Anja Garwick

Anonymous member 211 I also treat my husband like everyone else, smart, able, intelligent, with a illness, we learn to live with!

Rebekah Barnett

On occasion Mom will ask what's wrong with her. And says "I used to be smarter than I am" She broke her right hip and had surgery to replace it. She then had a stroke in the recovery room. We explain that she had a stroke and her brain is healing. She states that she understands that. I don't want to upset her by telling her she has dementia.

Amy Underwood

Rebekah Barnett same with my mom. She has had 2 strokes after my dad passed away and I just blame it on the strokes but she does ask me every now and than if she is going to get better

Rebekah Barnett

Amy Underwood That one would be hard.

Laura Downing Ballett

My mom was having a hard time finding the right words when speaking or forgetting what she was going to say, she would say I hope I’m not getting Alzheimer’s, then she was starting to fall. I talked to our doctor and he said to worry about my mom later my dad had colon cancer and told me to focus on him. My dad passed away March of 2025 and since then mom has been getting worse she was diagnosed in Sept with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia

Citaly Covarrubias

Laura Downing Ballett I understand that’s a really heavy situation, and it makes sense that your mom’s symptoms have progressed after such a stressful time. Having a clear diagnosis can help you plan for her care and find support. Landscape Hub has a lot of real world tips and advice from other caregivers who’ve been through similar experiences.

Anonymous member 609

My husband does. We’re into his 6th year. He does very well, except for periodic anger outburst! No one ever sees his anger. Its all at home or in our car!

Connie Bachman Doran

My husband says his brain feels empty. He’s been told he has dementia and will sometimes mention that he does.

Edited

Jean Pollock

Mine knows and used to tell people he has ,not so much now. Still knows he has but thinks can do more than he's actually capable of doing. Gets frustrated trying and can't remember next step.

Donna Daly

I personally have corsical dementia so yes I know i have it!

Ashley Cryer

I work in home care, and most the time they are in denial... or they know they have something wrong and think its much less of an issue than it really is. We have to remember they live in a different reality than we do.

Sue Radford

Yes definatly

Pam Carroll

My sister told me she couldn’t remember anything and couldn’t read her writing

Cindy Marie Meade

They can hide it as well ...

Ellin Blouin Bisson

Mine does and so does his sister

Teri Elrod

My dad thinks he fine. He thinks I am just making this stuff up...laugh or cry. I choose laughing

OptimisticShark9221

My husband thinks hes fine. Hes in stage 6, symptoms for 8 yrs, diagnosed 5 yrs.

He has NEVER TALKED about it, discussed anything feeling off or wrong.

Michelle Mills

Some people who are living with dementia have windows of insight, they are usually brief but they may tell you that there is something wrong with their brain or that they are having trouble remembering things

This can cause stress and distress so give reassurance and comfort and use diversional therapy. It passes quickly

Kim South

Yes my husband does at stage 5

Katrina Cander

My Mother has started to break down crying ..not sure if she knows whats going on or depressed

Hollie Barcheck Juersivich

Depends on what stage

Billie Jo Pitonyak

My mom seems aware , but I just keep it light and happy

Debs Driver

This is a really poignant question and one I ask myself everyday.

Not only am I asked live in carer for my Mum, but I am a carer by profession.

I have worked in EMI homes,, where some people do know they have Dementia, some don't,,, is knowing better than not knowing,,, I cannot make that judgement either way its a cruel disease.

My Mum sometimes just stands there and says ' my brain won't work' other times she gives in and goes with the flow.

Who knows the trauma and torment these poor individuals go through,, if only we could see inside their heads, but we are all working blind , trying to do the best we can to support our loved ones as they are drawn deeper and deeper into a black hole.

Let's just stay strong together share experiences and support one another as we travel an unknown journey with our loved ones xx

Ellen Walls

I would never tell Mum. She would be devastated. We say she has severe short term memory loss. She is now nearly 101 , very bad hearing , poor vision , extremely frail but seems pleased when the Doctor can’t find anything wrong with her . All her organs are going okay so we wonder what the end will be. Her life is no life at all but she never says she wants to go . I just tell her we are very proud of her because she never complains.

Cheryl H Martin

My dad knew something was wrong. He’d tell my sister my head is funny sometimes. Or my brain just isn’t working. We would just listen and affirm but not stress him out about it.

Jackie Finlay

When my mum asks what’s wrong with her, we just say you’re getting on a bit, she’ll be 80 in August, you’re not getting any younger lol and we laugh x

Tamara Bosshardt

Hubby knows because we have had to try different meds and lockdowns. He was in denial and aggravated, but is doing better now. I try to keep him doing as much for himself as possible. I don't berate him and let him know he is doing good.

Anonymous member 952

My husband in stage 6 and he tells me nothing wrong that the Dr was just mean

saying that ,going in 5 years

Edited

BrightBeet6794

My husband was diagnosed a few months ago with young onset dementia in his 50s. He knows he has it

Anonymous member 435

My Dad is in denial with it so so much to the point where he doesn’t understand what dementia even is and thinks he’s completely fine.

I have to explain to him why he can’t do certain things anymore because of dementia

ConfidentRhino5940

My LO is aware something isn’t right but most of the time is completely unaware of her reality. MRI appointment has come through for next week so maybe I’m wrong and it’s age related senility

Anonymous member 730

My LO was told he had it when diagnosed. However he never really believed it. He sometimes says when he can't remember things oh it's my dementia but other than that he denies he's got it. Unfortunately there are now a lot of adverts on TV that show people who are supposedly suffering from dementia and he always says I'm not like that so I haven't got it !!!

Anonymous member 688

No, my dad has no idea. He lives in a different world where the people on TV can hear him and he talks back to them. Even if I explained it to him, he wouldn't know what I am talking about.

Anonymous member 125

My mother knew something was wrong. She knows she has it because the doctor said it. She does NOT like to talk about it or have her children know she has it. My dad shields her 100% and acts as her brain, if that makes sense. She is completely embarrassed by this. (She is stage 6 now).

Anonymous member 877

My husband keeps saying he's got too much on his mind.

ladyAmes

My dad says "I can't think right"

He used to be an electrical engineer, but now he can't even work a TV remote, it's super sad

Anonymous member 370

My LO knows

Anonymous member 654

Sometimes, but not always.

Anonymous member 785

My mother doesn't

Elizabeth Brown

Yes my husband does but it early days. He can't always remember what it's called.

Megan Young

My Mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's about 18 months ago. If we bump into people in the town where she lives, they exchange greetings and then Mum nearly always says 'you do know that I have dementia don't you?' before they continue with their conversation. I think it helps her, as she can't really hold a conversation at all now. She is unable to express what she thought she was going to say as she gets muddled and loses track.

Trisha Puntureri Coates

My mom tells people that she has a memory problem

Caroline Hunt

The only thing my mum is sure of is that she doesn’t have dementia!

Sharon Bell

When they are first diagnosed they do, but after a while they don't. I told my mum that my mother in law had died, she asked how, I said dementia, she said "oh that's a horrible disease, I hope I never get it" (she had been diagnosed with Alzheimers about 4 years before). My mum sometimes knows that her memory isn't working properly and that keeps forgetting things, but I just say thats what happens when you get older and she accepts that, I never tell her she has got Alzheimers

Cath Young

Yes, they can know, especially in the early stages.

Individuals can also be aware of their confusion at later stages.

It is often a distressing time for them and loved one's.

Tracey Ward

We are in scotland.. My mum was diagnosed in november and we are still waiting on post diagnosis team getting in touch. She is in denial and just says her brain isnt working properly and shes got lots on her mind. I find if shes out of a routine she goes all to pot.

Karen Caton

My mum says i think my brain is fading away

Sue Cook

My mum absolutely knows she has it, she mentions it alot.

Lesley Broon

No, we don't mention it anywhere near my mum .

Cara Alig

My mom did in the beginning now she just says oh I won't remember

Deborah Ann Sterling

Sometimes

Gloria Rubio

My mom doesn’t know, we never mention the word around her. Sometimes when she would get frustrated because she couldn’t remember anything, I would just remind her that she’s in her 90s and everyone forgets.

Lindsay Danks

My mom does she was told 3 years ago

Allison Clarkson

My mum gets upset if the word “dementia” is mentioned. We don’t use it. Just change direction.

Nancy Kawecki

My hubby Is aware

Cate Cheales

My husband said realising he’s loosing his cognition is the worst thing about dementia.

Debbie Alicia Bath

My Mum does most of the time. Shes told friends ‘ I have Altzimers’ but other times she’s just confused or angry and doesn’t appear to know why.

Linda Widdowson

My mum sometimes remmebers but not often. she say when you to to my age you'll forget everything too. i have asked her if she knows why she forgets and sometimes its cos she is old sometimes it because i have dementia.

Eirlys Roberts

My Lo used to say he had a disease and not to touch him. That was when he could talk in stage 6 of the dementia

Scott Mabel

Mine knew. And she was reminded at times like when she asked where the restroom was- in the dining room MC where she’d lived and eaten for months. She’d ask where the restroom is and the staff and even other residents would laugh, or sigh, or crack a joke about telling her so often, and point to the bathroom.

Mom would say, “oh yeah. Sorry. My brain doesn’t work well because of this disease.

Larry R Schultz

If they have it, they deny it.

Phyllis Wass

Apparently in the early stages they know their brain isn't working properly. Denial seems part of it. Once it really takes hold by our experience they don't live in the now, they relive their past, different eras at a time, and we just have to go along with it. Trying to correct isn't good for them or us, but very hard not to.

Cheryl Smith

Dad will say “ My memory sucks” he has vascular dementia for 3 or 4 years now.

Kevin Kenny

My grandma talks about how much she wishes she had her memory back, so yes

Tina M Kearney

Maya DeBruyne

My father says, “I have the short term memory of a dog!” So I think he knows.

Neil Ward

My wife who has early dementia refers to having “this thing” we never mention the actual word dementia

Tommy Delesandri

Most definitely, it's a tough situation

Renee Riley

My LO knows but won't call it that.

Michelle Wilde Becerra

My mom does

Lynn Harrison

Buy them fiji water from waitrose!!! Tell anyone looking after them they are only allowed this

Lorraine Denovan

My husband knows he has dementia but as expected he forgets. Sometimes he gets very confused and asks why he can't do things and I explain gently that he has an illness that causes this and it's not his fault. He always seems happy with this explanation.

Justin Wagner

Depends on the type the person’s personality the levels of it’s progression and many other factors

Chyrl Oenbrink

As far as I know yes…they know they don’t know

Larissa FD

All our mom says is "she doesn't remember", but she does not know she has dementia. This is known as Anosognosia.

Suzanne Maas

Some do and acknowledge it. Some do and deny it. Some don't. It's called anosognosia.

Mags Mcn

My mums post diagnosis nurse is very open about it . She said your mums an adult so we are open and honest.

My mum didn’t cope well with the diagnosis and was in denial for a year or so but the pills helped and she was happy.

The Alzheimer’s was early stages but u fortunately she had a fall recently and a bleed on the brain and fractures so she is now very confused and sad in hospital . Hoping it’s delirium and not permanent

Lizaan Punt van Heerden

Yes, and they also ask: why. They find it embarrassing and feel shy. Please handle with compassion and respect.

Faustina Pehoe

Sometimes my mum just says her head doesn’t work quite the same as it used to. She has very poor short term memory and also thinks she does all of the housework, wash etc. I do it for her and even though she sees me doing it and thanks me, she still believes she does it.

Diana Hall

Yes, my sister calls it her 'dementionable'

Anna Simmons

My husband does...... He often says he has dementia but he also has mixed memories and no longer uses my name out our children's but reef's to us by out titles of wife and son......

Fe Gallo Betache Paborada

Right now I experience this person with dementia and yes it's really hard i don't know how to deal with her.i don't know what exactly the best way to handle can you suggest me some ways?

Linda Jahn

I shared with my husband and I share info

Deb Zemencsik Duminie

My step mom does.

Pamela Duncan Waites

Yes

Cindy Marie Meade

Yes ..depending what type ..area of brain and stage ....

Lynn Roaten Lambert

In some ways I think they do, especially early on as the get forgetful.

Laurie Lohbeck Berra

Not in our case.

Alexis Constantinou

my mother knows I told her but it doesn’t make a difference to behaviour

Julie Chambers

My friend has dementia, she no longer talks, all the things she once did, she no longer can, it's heartbreaking

Julia Engelhart

Some do, some dont

Kristine Kealiher

Mine does sometimes.

Meegan Lee Holman

My MIL knows, but thinks she's hiding it. She's not.

Sad Sadness Sticker, GIF may contain transparent, sad, sadness, triste and frown

Natalie Dean

My dad knows, he tells people

he gets very upset that he has it too

Neil Harden

My wife never had any awareness

Michelle Draper

Only in early stages.

Debora Bellber Libby

Once when the PT came to treat her, my mom said I'm going to ask him to help me with my brain.

Janea Woods

My Grandma looks so frightened when I ask her someone’s name and she’s forgotten them. It’s like a look of terror on her face as she remembers. So sad to see it.

Sandy Davisson Randel

I’ve told many I’ve outlived my warranty.

Carol Kinneman-Harper

My mom knew her brain wasn't working right in the beginning. Now she is just in her own world.

Jill Rich

Mine does not know anything is wrong. At least none that he has communicated to me

Dana Murray

My dad did not.

My friend does.

Margot Hosie

Yes

Kathleen Morehouse

My husband does. He tells people his brain just does not work anymore

Linda Klingel Gardner

Yes

Mary Alicia

Sometimes

Kady N Anthony

I know I do

Elizabeth A Lindsay

It depends on what stage their in and what diagnosis

Elizabeth A Lindsay

Depends on the stages they are in and the diagnosis

Rodriguez MissBee

No, my dad's says he's perfectly normal.

Valerie Walker

One day they do, the next day they're in denial

Douglas Church

My wife as mixed dementia , she is good in her own environment but she gets frustrated . I have found patients the best way to do things. Give them love

Teresa Johnson

Once in a while my mom will say I know I forget things. But most times she insists there's nothing wrong with her.

Susan White

My lo is in denial, but accepts his sister has it , and now he is swearing so much every other word is a curse at something or other, I got him a lanyard he refuses to wear so I find myself apologising all the time.

Ellen Lee Barton

My mother is aware and consequently tells people

Sharon Maitland

My mom knew she had mixed up times and it was getting worse

Karyn Duperron

My husband does and swears he doesn't

Lesley Smith

I think maybe it depends where they are with the illness mum knows she is forgetting things. And then other times denies it even when she forgets what she ate for lunch 30 monies before. Denial is a big thing but she knows something is wrong. I try not to use the word dementia to her.

Jackie Bondie Hesser

My LO does not and gets very frustrated and angry when he struggles.

Julie Tait

My mum thinks she is fine, nothing wrong with her!!

Donna Price

My mum knows

Pamela Lynn

My LO denied it for about 5 years. Then she realized there was something wrong with her but couldn’t remember what it was and I had to explain it all the time. I did it in a very loving way.

Alisa Ranson

My Dad knows he has memory issues, but has no awareness when they are affecting him.

Francine Eaves-Ranft

Yes

Melissa Hines

Yes, I also have a support group that he goes to that he can ask questions and get answers to what is going on with him.

Terri Jean Woods-Kenney

My mom says omething is wrong with me and that she doesnt feel good. Its heartbreaking to watch but im so greatful I have this time with her and im able to keep her at home and take care of her.

Edited

Bob Ehlers

I do. We are still in there, but communication is down.

Laurie Cat Cam

there are so many different types of Dementia, it also depends on education etc in my experience with what they recognize, i work with Dementia patients and lost my Dad to Dementia my dad never realized or verbalized that he had dementia, yet i have residents that will say (I have Dementia) some progress very fast, some progress slowly... whether they realize or not, doesn't really change outcomes

Marie Louise Poole-Pegrum

My husband knows, and he hates it and he realizes that it is getting worse. But it is still very hard to watch him sometimes when he just cannot work out what he wants to do

Lisa Davis

Yes, well they realize that something is wrong..at least sometimes..

Edited

Eleanor Mazeikis

My mom does not know

Nicola Gough

I know my dad was told he has dementia whilst in hospital. Unfortunately the Dr did that without me being there and told me separately.

So its never been said in both our presence.

My dad has never said it to me and ive never said it to him.

Sometimes their forgetfulness is a kindness to them.

If I was diagnosed, I would be devastated and tortured, knowing what's to come, as my dad would be as he cared for my mum throughout her dementia

I will never say it to him. I hope he has forgotten. I don't think it would give him any comfort. Quite the opposite

I also don't tell him my mum is dead when he is looking for her. I just try to distract and redirect

My personal opinion. Everyone will have their own view and way of caring for their LO

Kris Barrett Daugherty

My dad will adamantly say he doesn’t have it. He lives with me in AZ now and thinks we are close to his hometown in Ohio. He’s going to buy a car and drive there.

Katie Guidry

My mother has no clue. I’ve been told some understand something is not right while others have no clue.

D'cady Sarahchild

My bestie cops to nothing. I know she's scared but will not admit or go to doc to find out what's wrong.

Alan Tang

Depend on what stage they are

Alees Rivers

God might know.

Lopez Javier Alberto

my mom tells me often that she hates it when she forgets

Bob Brownley

Yes.

Charon Shifflette

My mom doesn't

Melody Harrison

Yes. My husband tells people that he has "pre-dementia" (?) and uses it to his benefit at times. I let him get away with it because I think that I will miss this side of him when it's gone

Rosabel Zohfeld

Sometimes. Sometimes not. And sometimes only in flashes.

Early on, many people know something is wrong. They feel the slips, the confusion, the loss of control. That awareness often brings fear, anger, or depression.

As dementia progresses, the brain loses insight. This is called anosognosia. It is not denial. The brain literally cannot see its own deficits. To them, nothing is wrong. Or it changes moment to moment.

In later stages, awareness usually fades completely. What you see instead are emotions without context fear, sadness, agitation. They feel something is wrong but cannot name it.

That is why reasoning, explaining, or reminding them of the diagnosis does not help and often makes things worse.

You are not dealing with stubbornness. You are dealing with a brain that can no longer reflect on itself.

If this helps, I explain this more in my dementia education videos on YouTube.

https://youtube.com/playlist...

You can also access free caregiver resources and support here.

https://rosabelzohfeld.com/rosabelievers

YOUTUBE.COM

Dementia Education for Caregivers

Lam David

Do you know if you have cancer?

Clare Gray

Yes my Dad does. He doesn't like the word dementia so we say be has lewy body or parkinsons.

Ken Briony

My Wife does not accept she is suffering with Vascular Dementia but accepts she does struggle with short term memory & concentration. She also has hallucinations which can be disturbing but I am able to explain they are not real. It progressed from mild issues in the early stages which now I think about it realise she probably started with Dementia about 2 years before she was diagnosed formally. It has been 2 years now since she was diagnosed & has ups & downs several times a day.

Michelle Harris

Imo, I think some people will note occasional forgetfulness briefly in the beginning but at some point their journey crosses more into not knowing. I worked with a neurologist who said that people with alzheimers sees themself as being okay, it's their caretaker the one that gets stressed.

I have found his statement to be true in my LO situation as the disease has progressed

Louisa Halgryn

My daughter know something is wrong

. She tells me her head is fuzzy and that she get disoriented...

Wendy DeBord

Some do, some don’t.

Lorraine Miller

No my 85 year old mum doesn't, though she realises her memory isn't as good as it was but has no idea how bad it really is..

Anonymous member 194

My husband doesn’t know it. He’s a year in with the symptoms. He does get frustrated that he forgets things but it doesn’t occur to him that he has dementia. At first I’d tell him that it’s a common thing for our age. But he forgets what I tell him after 5 minutes so I spare him from the reality of the disease. He wouldn’t understand anyway. So sad.

Lisa Mulligan

Kind of ..but he says we all got it and not him lol so we agree and say least we can admit it can you.. everyone walks away with a smile and leaves it at that .. I'm not sure which stage we at but definitely not in the beginning

Michelle Wiggins

Most of the time I do

Larry Kimmich

Yes, I have it.

아내 치매 돌봄 기록 손주

2026년 4월 16일 목요일

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치매 환자의 자가 인식에 관한 요약

1. 인지 상태의 다양성과 단계별 변화

2. 병식 결여: 아노소그노시아 (Anosognosia)

3. 간병인들의 대응 전략

치매의 불투명성과 간병의 윤리에 관한 평론

인지라는 이름의 고통과 안식

아노소그노시아: 의지의 문제가 아닌 뇌의 문제

소통의 재정의: 진실보다 중요한 것은 안녕이다

1. 요약 (Summary)

2. 평론 (Critical Review)

1) 인식 문제의 핵심: ‘지식’이 아니라 ‘구조’

2) 진실 말하기 vs 보호하기의 윤리

3) ‘현실 공유’ 대신 ‘현실 적응’

4) 감정의 지속, 인지의 붕괴

5) 가족의 고통: 보이지 않는 2차 피해

3. 결론

English Version

Summary + Review (800 words)

Critical Insight

Conclusion

Dementia Education for Caregivers

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