Delayed Reaction Time in Dementia

If you’ve spent much time working with those with dementia, you’ve probably been in a situation where you’re trying to give the person choices. Not many. Just 2 or 3 choices of anything, e.g., clothing, shoes, food, drinks. You ask, “Would you like this or that?” No response.

You think that maybe they’re having a difficult day, or they don’t really care either way. So, you pick for them. All of a sudden, they have a meltdown because that is not what they wanted.

Sound familiar? What if I told you that this whole situation can be resolved in 60 seconds?

Everyone who has dementia is affected differently. The cause of dementia is different and the areas of the brain affected are different. In many cases, the changes in the brain cause a delayed reaction. What takes us a fraction of a second can take them much longer.

The next time you ask the person to choose something, give them 60 seconds to reply. Seriously. Count to 60 in your head. For you, think of it as selfcare. This causes you to pause and just breathe for your own sake. For the one in your care, it gives them time to not only process your question but to weigh the answers. They can now come to their own decision.

The 60 seconds not only fosters independence, but your patience fosters trust. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results.

P.S. It works on pets and children, too. 😊