Coping with Mirror Anxiety in Dementia Patients

People with dementia move backwards in time, and may no longer recognize their current selves in mirrors (or any reflective surfaces, like inside windows at night-time).by Rita JablonskiAlzheimer's Reading RoomSome people “friend” themselves (seeWhen Alzheimer's Patients Friend Themselves).They happily talk to and interact with their reflection.Other people become upset when they see a stranger staring at them in the mirror.Article -Dementia Patients are People TooSubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading RoomEmail:Reflections can cause paranoia or accusations of infidelity arise.Has your loved one everaccused you of having an affair?Or, told you there is someone else in the house?Think about it. If I don ’t recognize my reflection and see some strange person staring back at me, and then I notice my spouse standing next to this strange person, I am going to decide that my spouse is running around with this stranger.This actually happens with dementia patients.Article -Alzheimer's Care, Don't ArgueWhen mirror anxiety happens,I suggest removing the mirrors. If that is not feasible, place a towel or cloth over the mirror.Keep window shades and curtains drawn at night so that the person with dementia does not see their reflection in the glass.Some people have decorative art that incorporates mirrors or reflective surfaces. You may need to remove these objects. You can leave the wall bare or replace with a canvas painting/reproduction of flowers or landscapes. Avoid replacing wit...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimer's Alzheimers Dementia care of dementia patients caregiving coping coping with alzheimers help alzheimer's help with dementia care mirrors Source Type: blogs