While speaking with patients in our pharmacy, I recently heard a story that stayed with me. It was shared by Mrs. F., who said:
“Since the lockdown, I find myself forgetting words more often, and I do a lot of strange things during the day. The other day, I put my socks on my hands instead of my feet, and I stored yogurt in the cupboard instead of the fridge. I miss my family terribly and don’t quite understand why I can’t see them. When I finally saw my daughter, all I wanted was to hug her—but I couldn’t.”
This sense of confusion, emotional distress, and forgetfulness is deeply familiar for people living with dementia—a group of brain conditions that affect memory, thinking, and communication. The brain is our central processor, guiding everything we do and storing the memories that shape our lives. When affected by certain conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia, it can become increasingly difficult to carry out everyday tasks like dressing, eating, or having a conversation.
Although there is no cure yet, medications and support systems exist that can slow down the progression of symptoms and improve the quality of daily life for those affected.
Understanding Risk Factors
Certain genetic mutations and family history can increase the risk of developing dementia. However, while we cannot control our genetics, we can adopt protective lifestyle habits to reduce the risk:- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake
- Regularly check blood pressure and cholesterol
- Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight
- Stimulate your mind with games, learning, or creative hobbies
- Stay socially engaged and connected
The Role of Carers
A carer is someone who provides ongoing support—physical, emotional, or practical—to a person in need, often due to illness or disability. This role can be taken on by a spouse, child, friend, or neighbor, and usually emerges gradually rather than from a single decision. Most unpaid carers don’t consider themselves "carers"—they just do what they feel is right. Still, their support is invaluable. In some cases, carers may be entitled to legal or financial assistance, especially when the care they provide is frequent or intensive.
Life After the Pandemic: A Shift in Needs
While the pandemic may be behind us, many of its routines, restrictions, and emotional impacts linger, particularly for people with dementia. They may still struggle to understand safety guidelines, changes in familiar environments, or why social contact is limited. This can lead to disorientation, distress, and behavioral changes. Some common challenges for people with dementia today include:
- Feeling anxious or confused in altered public spaces
- Discomfort with masks or seeing others in them
- Emotional distress from closed or unfamiliar locations
- Misunderstanding signage or distancing rules
- A heightened sense of loneliness or need for physical closeness
- An urge to walk or be outdoors as a form of self-regulation
Tips for Carers: Simple Acts That Make a Big Difference
If you are caring for someone with dementia, here are a few practical ways to help them feel safer, more grounded, and emotionally supported:- Use clear and calm language to explain routines or safety measures
- Create visual reminders (e.g., posters about handwashing)
- Set automated reminders on devices for hydration, medication, or hygiene
- Go for walks early in the day when spaces are quieter
- Use ID bracelets or cards that state “I live with dementia”
- Practice handwashing together and make it engaging with a song
- Reconnect through memory: scents, music, or old habits
- Use bar soap instead of liquid—familiarity can ease confusion
- Moisturize hands regularly to prevent dryness
- Avoid criticism; instead, offer regular encouragement
- Try indoor activities that keep the body moving
- Keep windows open to allow fresh air in
- Encourage balcony or window conversations with neighbors
- Reduce news exposure—music or gentle entertainment is better
- Ensure regular hydration with fun options like herbal teas, jellies, or juices
- Create a personalized music playlist or encourage singing
A Final Thought
Living with dementia is already complex—but with understanding, compassion, and a few simple adaptations, we can transform daily life into something more nurturing, grounded, and dignified. Let’s not forget: even if a person with dementia may not recall what you did yesterday, they will remember how you made them feel. Marianna Sfyridi
Pharmacist MPharm (King’s College London)
Dementia Advisor, UK, GR
