Dementia affects everyone differently. For some people, memory problems appear first, while others may experience changes in mood, confusion or communication. There’s no single way to manage the condition, and what works for one person may not work for another. But small practical changes can often make day-to-day life feel more manageable. Here are some ways to help manage common dementia symptoms and make things a little easier for both you and your loved one.
Sleeping
Sleep problems are very common in people living with dementia, but a consistent routine and a calm environment can help. Keeping clocks visible, making sure the bedroom is comfortable and using soft lighting can reduce confusion and restlessness during the night. Encouraging regular daytime activity, exposure to natural daylight and limiting caffeine or alcohol later in the day may also improve sleep. If your parent or partner regularly wakes, wanders or seems unusually restless at night, it’s worth speaking to a GP, as underlying conditions such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome or medication side-effects could be contributing to the problem. Most importantly, try to respond calmly and reassuringly if they wake in the night, as anxiety and confusion can often make sleep difficulties worse.
Eating
Loss of appetite is very common in people living with dementia and can happen for many reasons, including changes to taste and smell, difficulty chewing or swallowing, medication side-effects or simply forgetting they’ve eaten. Keeping mealtimes calm, simple and relaxed can really help. Try offering smaller meals little and often, using colourful plates to make food easier to see and choosing familiar foods they’ve always enjoyed. Finger foods, soft textures and healthy snacks can also make eating feel less overwhelming. Most importantly, be patient and avoid pressuring someone to eat, as this can increase anxiety. Sitting together, leading by example and gently encouraging without too much conversation or distraction can often make mealtimes feel more comfortable and successful for everyone involved.
Behaviour
Aggressive behaviour can sometimes develop as dementia progresses and is often caused by fear, confusion, frustration, pain or feeling overwhelmed, rather than deliberate anger. A parent or partner may lash out verbally or physically because they’re struggling to communicate discomfort, exhaustion or anxiety. Keeping routines calm and predictable, reducing noise and distractions and ensuring they are well-rested and comfortable can all help reduce agitation. Gentle activities such as music, walking, familiar routines or sensory therapies may also be calming. If aggression does happen, try to stay calm, avoid arguing or restraining them and focus instead on reassurance or distraction. Most importantly, remember that these behaviours are symptoms of the condition, not personal attacks, and it’s important to seek support for yourself too if caring starts to feel emotionally or physically overwhelming.
Sundowning
Sundowning is a common dementia symptom where confusion, anxiety or agitation become worse in the late afternoon or evening. A parent or partner may become restless, upset, withdrawn or insist they need to “go home”, even when they are already there. This behaviour is often linked to tiredness, changes to the body clock, low lighting, hunger, dehydration or overstimulation throughout the day. Keeping a calm and predictable routine can help, along with gentle afternoon activities, regular meals, good hydration and exposure to natural daylight earlier in the day. As evening approaches, try reducing noise and distractions, closing curtains and turning lights on early to reduce shadows and confusion. Most importantly, respond calmly and reassuringly if distress occurs, using comfort and distraction rather than correction or argument – while also remembering to look after your own wellbeing too.
Wandering
The Herbert Protocol is a simple but incredibly helpful scheme designed to support police if someone living with dementia goes missing. It involves completing a form in advance with important information about your parent or partner, including recent photographs, medical details, places they may try to visit and locations that hold emotional significance from their past. Having this information ready can save valuable time and reduce stress during what is often a frightening and overwhelming situation. Many people living with dementia are drawn to familiar places connected to childhood, work or family memories, so including these details can really help search efforts. The form is available through most UK police forces and is well worth completing early, even if wandering has never been an issue before.
We can also recommend getting a personal alarm. They allow the wearer to get help wherever the are and if they get lost you can use the alarm as a tracking beacon to locate them.
Dementia care options
As dementia progresses, there may come a point where extra support is needed to help someone stay safe and well. This could mean arranging home care visits, live-in care or, eventually, considering a care home if their needs become too complex to manage at home. These decisions are never easy and often come with feelings of guilt or uncertainty, particularly if you are making choices on behalf of a parent or partner. When exploring care options, it can help to think about the level of support needed, specialist dementia experience, location and costs, while also remembering that asking for help is not a failure. In many cases, the right support at the right time can improve quality of life for everyone involved.
Download our simple pdf with this information on to print and share with your family
