If your loved one is suffering from dementia, you may notice that they have been returning from drives or walks later than usual. They may even forget how to get to familiar places, like their home or the park. Learn more about what caused them to wander. However, be assured that there are ways that can help reduce wandering. Read on to learn more about the causes of dementia wandering and how you can help ensure they do not wander as much. Here are some causes of dementia wandering.
Memory Loss
Your loved one may start to wander when they start to suffer from memory loss. This may cause them to become afraid, confused, and disoriented. When they are suffering from dementia-related memory loss, they may forget memories of familiar places. This may cause them to start wandering away from their home. Research shows that 60 percent of people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease will wander.
Fear or Stress
Your loved one may also start to wander if they become stressed or fearful. They may also start to wander when they feel confused and nervous about being in an unfamiliar place.
Desire to Search
Another reason is that they may get a desire to search. For example, they may want to search for someone or something and become lost.
Following Past Routines
Your loved one may be remembering their daily actions in the past. So, they may be just following their past routines. For example, although they may have retired for some time, they may be following their past work route.
Desire to Fulfill Basic Needs
They may be trying to fulfill their basic needs and accidentally wander to an unfamiliar place. For example, they may just be trying to look for a restroom and start to wander.
Problems With Vision or Spatial Awareness
When they start to suffer from visual-spatial problems, they may also accidentally wander off. This is because dementia affects parts of the brain that help guide vision and navigation, so they may get lost when these areas deteriorate.
Genetic Risk
If you are a male, the risk of wandering will be higher for you, as compared to females.
How to Reduce Wandering
Do note that wandering may result in safety issues for your loved one. The risk increases when they are wandering in extreme temperatures, or in secluded areas. You may also want to make sure that someone is at home with your loved one at all times to help ensure that they do not wander.
We hope that by understanding the causes of dementia wandering, you may be aware of the triggers that cause your loved one to wander. Hopefully, you can then devise ways with your loved ones to ensure they do not wander. If you are wondering how to delay the symptoms of dementia, fret not! Our team at TerraBella Spartanburg Memory Care will always be here to help you at every step of the way in managing dementia in your loved ones.
