Anne (55 years old) and Jean Paul walk to the sheltered workshop together.
After a cup of coffee, Anne gets to work at the computer, with the help of her supervisor, Patrick. She has to fill out the attendance sheet and calls out the first and last names of her colleagues.
The table is being set. Like every day, the community nurse, Myriam, comes by. "Do you remember my name?" she asks.
"Of course," says Anne (60 years old). Myriam helps a little: "My name is Myriam." "I don't think so," Anne responds. "What do you think?" Myriam asks. "Your name is Laurence," Anne replies. "My real name is Myriam," Myriam says. Then Anne gives Myriam a hug and says, "Sorry." A little later, she comes back to it. "I do think I am right about your first name."
Don't forget to select the desired language for the subtitles.
The theme of this lesson is "forgot the name."
Dementia often leads to memory loss (amnesia) and can affect a person’s ability to recognize others and remember their correct names. This symptom can be especially painful for family members and loved ones. It is also referred to as disorientation in person. In addition, people with dementia may become confused in other areas, such as time and place. Disorientation in time and place is addressed in other cases.
The case “I am Anne” explores Anne’s life story and the onset of her dementia, including early signs such as getting lost. It also provides important context for the other cases; therefore, it is recommended to watch I am Anne again.
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There are several ways to respond when a person with dementia does not know a name or uses the wrong name. You may choose to help or gently correct the person; this approach is known as reality orientation. Another option is to redirect attention and avoid correcting the mistake too strongly; this is referred to as validation.
What works—and what does not—varies from person to person and from moment to moment. The situation is often unpredictable. As a professional or informal caregiver, you are the one who must find the most appropriate response. In doing so, you will continually encounter questions, many of which have ethical implications.
Would you like to learn more about reality orientation and validation? In The caregiver’s companion to intellectual disabilities and dementia you'll find 100 real-life questions and answers. For example, pages 314-317 contain more information about reality orientation, and page 318-321 about validation.You can download the book for free.
