When we think of dementia, memory loss usually comes to mind first. But dementia also changes how a person experiences the world through their senses. Understanding these changes can make daily life safer and calmer for your loved one.

�� Vision & Perception
Even with healthy eyes, the brain may not process what it sees the same way. Even in early stages of dementia peripheral vision decreases. In later stages, the vision field is very small, like looking through a binocular.
 A dark rug might look like a hole.
 Shadows or glare can be confusing.
 Faces and familiar objects may be harder to recognize.
 Items look flat versus 3-D
Care tip: Keep rooms well-lit, reduce clutter, and use colors that contrast so things
stand out clearly. Approach your loved one from the front when communicating.
Understand that your loved one may

�� Hearing
Hearing loss forces the brain to work harder to process sounds, which can lead to cognitive decline in areas related to attention, memory, and language.
 Conversations in noisy places are tough.
 Background noise (TV, music, chatter) can feel overwhelming.
Care tip: Turn down background noise, speak slowly, clearly, and at a moderate pace, using a calm, gentle tone. Address any hearing loss changes with hearing aids or amplifiers after an audiologist’s assessment.

�� Taste & Smell
Dementia often affects the sense of smell, which is closely linked to taste. Food can become less flavorful and appealing.
 Meals may seem bland.

 Your loved one may crave sweets as sweetness is often preserved later in the
disease.
 Spoiled food, smoke, or gas might go unnoticed.
Care tip: Offer colorful, flavorful meals. Boost flavor by using strong tasting additions like garlic, onion, mustard, lemon juice, or other herbs and spices. Use safe, pleasant scents (like vanilla or citrus) to boost appetite. Check the fridge often for spoiled food.

✋ Touch
Dementia can change how the body feels touch.
 Some people become very sensitive, even to light touches.
 Others may not notice pain, heat, or cold.
 Fine motor skills can be lost causing difficulty using utensils.
Care tip: Use soft fabrics, cozy blankets, and keep an eye out for signs of discomfort. Decreases in tactile sensitivity can also lead to a strong need for safe, gentle and compassionate touch for emotional support and connection.

�� Balance & Spatial Awareness
Changes in sight and perception can affect balance resulting in symptoms like unsteady
walking, increased falls, tripping, bumping into objects, and disorientation.
 Hallways, stairs, or patterned floors may look confusing or scary.
 This raises the risk of falls.
Care tip: Keep walkways clear, add handrails where possible, and avoid busy floor patterns. Use mobility aids such as a walker or cane. Encourage daily exercise such as walking. Walk with them if needed for safety.

�� Final Thought
Dementia changes more than memory—it changes how your loved one sees, hears, tastes, smells, and feels the world. By adjusting the environment and being patient, you can help them feel safer and more comfortable every day.
�� Small changes can make a big difference.