Vision Changes in Dementia: A Caregiver’s Guide

Table of Contents

Introduction

Dementia is a condition that affects the brain and makes it hard to remember, think, and communicate. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the eyes. People with dementia may have problems with their vision, such as seeing things blurry, not noticing things on the sides, or having trouble judging distances. They may also have difficulty recognizing faces, objects, colors, or words. These vision problems can make it harder for them to do everyday tasks, such as dressing, eating, or finding their way around. They can also make them feel confused, scared, or frustrated.

You are not alone if you are caring for a loved one with dementia and vision problems. Many people around the world have dementia and vision problems. According to the World Health Organization, about 50 million people have dementia, and this number is expected to rise to 152 million by 2050. About 60% of people with dementia have some form of vision impairment, and this percentage increases with age. Vision problems can affect a person’s well-being, independence, and relationship with others.

This article aims to help you understand how dementia affects vision and how you can support your loved one with dementia and vision problems. We will explain the common vision changes that occur in people with dementia, how they can affect the person’s life, and how you can help them cope. We will also suggest activities and resources to stimulate and engage the person’s remaining vision. We hope this article will provide helpful information and tips and make you feel more confident and hopeful in your caregiving journey.

How Dementia Affects Vision

People with dementia may experience various vision problems as the disease progresses. Some of the common vision changes are:

Blurred vision: The person may have trouble seeing things clearly, especially intricate details or faraway objects. They may need glasses or a magnifier to read or watch TV.
Reduced peripheral vision: The person may not notice things on the sides of their vision, such as people, furniture, or doors. They may bump into things or miss important cues.
Impaired depth perception: The person may have difficulty judging how far or near something is, such as stairs, curbs, or tables. They may trip, fall, or spill things.
Difficulty recognizing faces and objects: The person may not recognize familiar people, places, or things. They may confuse one object for another, such as a toothbrush for a comb. They may also have trouble with colors, shapes, or words.

These vision changes can affect the person’s daily activities, safety, and quality of life. For example, they may:

Have trouble finding their way around their home or outside
Have difficulty dressing, grooming, or eating
Lose interest in hobbies or activities that require good vision
Feel isolated, depressed, or anxious
Become more dependent on others for help
Have more accidents or injuries

Vision problems can also cause confusion, anxiety, or behavioral issues in people with dementia. For example, they may:

Misinterpret what they see, such as thinking that a shadow is a person or that a pattern is a bug
Hallucinate or see things that are not there, such as animals, people, or objects
Become paranoid or suspicious of others, such as thinking that someone is stealing from them or trying to harm them
Become agitated or angry when they cannot see or do something
Resist or refuse help from others, such as wearing glasses or using a cane

These are some ways dementia can affect vision and how it can impact the person and their caregivers. The next section will provide tips and strategies to support a loved one with dementia and vision problems.

How to Support a Loved One with Dementia and Vision Problems

Caring for a loved one with dementia and vision problems can be challenging, but there are some things you can do to make it easier for both of you. Here are some tips and strategies to help your loved one cope with vision changes:

Improve lighting, contrast, and signage: Ensure the person has enough light to see clearly, especially in the morning and evening. Use lamps, curtains, and blinds to adjust the brightness and avoid glare. Use colors and patterns that contrast nicely, such as dark letters on a light background or solid colors instead of stripes or checks. Label important items and places with large, clear words or pictures, such as the bathroom, the kitchen, or the person’s name.
Simplify the environment: Reduce clutter and noise in the person’s living space and keep things in the same place. Remove or secure any potential hazards, such as cords, rugs, or sharp objects. Arrange furniture and objects in a way that is easy to navigate and remember. Use simple and familiar items that the person can recognize and use, such as a clock, a calendar, or a phone.
Use verbal cues and reminders: Talk to the person calmly and gently and use simple and direct sentences. Explain what you are doing and what you want the person to do, and give one step at a time. Use the person’s name and eye contact to get their attention. Repeat or rephrase your words if the person does not understand. Remind the person of the time, date, and place, who you are, and your relationship.
Be patient and supportive: Understand that the person’s vision problems are not their fault and that they may feel frustrated, scared, or embarrassed. Do not criticize, argue, or correct the person; do not take their behavior personally. Praise the person for their efforts and achievements and encourage them to do what they can. Show them that you care and that you are there to help.

There are also some activities and resources that can stimulate and engage the person’s remaining vision, such as:

Music: Music can be soothing and uplifting for people with dementia and vision problems. It can also trigger memories and emotions and help the person connect with others. Play the person’s favorite songs or genres, or sing with them. You can also use musical instruments, such as a piano, a guitar, or a drum, to create sounds and rhythms together.
Art: Art can be a creative and expressive outlet for people with dementia and vision problems. It can also help people focus, relax, and boost their self-esteem. Use materials that are easy to handle and see, such as crayons, paints, or clay. You can also use textures, shapes, and colors to create exciting and tactile artworks. You can also display the person’s artwork in their room or around the house and praise their work.
Puzzles: Puzzles can be fun and challenging for people with dementia and vision problems. They can also help the person exercise their brain and improve their memory and concentration. Use puzzles appropriate for the person’s level of ability and interest, such as jigsaw, crossword, or word search puzzles. You can also use puzzles with large pieces, bright colors, or familiar images like animals, flowers, or landmarks.
Books: Books can be enjoyable and educational for people with dementia and vision problems. They can also help people expand their vocabulary and knowledge and stimulate their imagination and curiosity. Use books suitable for the person’s reading level and preference, such as children’s books, picture books, or short stories. You can also use books with large print, illustrations, or audio, such as audiobooks, e-books, or podcasts.

One of the most important things you can do to support your loved one with dementia and vision problems is to make sure they have regular eye exams and treatment for any underlying eye conditions. Some eye conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration, can worsen the person’s vision and cause more problems. Visiting an eye doctor regularly can detect and treat eye problems early and prevent further vision loss. You can also ask the eye doctor for advice on how to care for the person’s eyes and glasses and what kind of aids or devices can help them see better.

Conclusion

In this article, we have learned about how dementia affects vision and how you can support your loved one with dementia and vision problems. We have covered the following topics:

The common vision changes that occur in people with dementia, such as blurred vision, reduced peripheral vision, impaired depth perception, and difficulty recognizing faces and objects
How these vision changes can affect the person’s daily activities, safety, and quality of life, and how they can cause confusion, anxiety, or behavioral issues in people with dementia
The practical tips and strategies for helping your loved one cope with vision changes, such as improving lighting, contrast, and signage, simplifying the environment, and using verbal cues and reminders
The activities and resources that can stimulate and engage the person’s remaining vision, such as music, art, puzzles, and books
The importance of regular eye exams and treatment for any underlying eye conditions

We hope this article has provided helpful information and tips and that you feel more confident and hopeful about your caregiving journey. However, we also understand that caring for a loved one with dementia and vision problems can be challenging and stressful at times. You are not alone in this. Many sources of information and support can help you and your loved one. Here are some of them:

Alzheimers.gov: This website offers information, advice, tools, and support for caregivers and families of people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. You can also sign up for weekly tips and find resources in your community.
National Institute on Aging (NIA): This website has free publications on Alzheimer’s and related dementias, caregiving, and healthy aging. You can also learn about several types of long-term care and how to pay for them, advance care planning, and legal and financial matters.
Administration for Community Living (ACL): This website has a fact sheet on improving care for family members with dementia, a brochure on living well with dementia in the community, and a locator for services in your area. You can also visit LongTermCare.gov to learn about long-term care, insurance coverage, and considerations.
Caregiver’s Guide to Understanding Dementia Behaviors: This guide from the Family Caregiver Alliance offers tips on dealing with common dementia behaviors, such as agitation, wandering, hallucinations, and paranoia. It also has a list of resources and support groups for caregivers.
Resource List for Caregivers of Individuals with Vision Loss: This list from the American Printing House for the Blind has links to websites, organizations, and services that can help caregivers of people who are blind or have low vision. It also has tips on home safety, communication, and accessibility.

Caring for a loved one with dementia and vision problems can be a rewarding and meaningful experience. You can make a difference in their lives by providing comfort, dignity, and joy. You can also learn from them and grow as a person. Remember to take care of yourself and seek help when needed. You are doing an excellent job, and we appreciate you. Thank you for reading this article.