Dementia is a health condition that many people worry about.
It’s not just about forgetting things. Over time, it can affect how a person thinks, makes decisions, speaks, and lives daily life. It often leads to the loss of independence.
A question that many people ask is: Do people with dementia know they have it? The answer isn’t simple. Dementia affects everyone differently, and it depends on how far the disease has progressed.
One important term to understand is “anosognosia.” This is when a person is not aware that they are sick. It’s not because they’re denying the truth or pretending.
It’s because their brain is damaged in a way that makes them truly unaware something is wrong. This happens in many people with Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most common type of dementia.
Because of anosognosia, some people with dementia may not notice their memory problems or other changes. Their brain simply cannot recognize that there’s a problem.
However, not everyone is unaware. In the early stages of dementia, many people do realize that something is changing. They may struggle to remember names, follow conversations, or do daily tasks they used to handle easily.
This awareness can make them feel sad, worried, or frustrated. Some even become depressed or anxious because they know they’re losing control of their mind.
This can be a painful time for both the person with dementia and their loved ones. Watching someone you care about struggle and feel helpless is very hard.
As the disease progresses into the middle or late stages, many people lose that awareness. The brain continues to change, especially in areas that help us reflect and understand ourselves.
As a result, the person may no longer notice they are forgetting things. They may repeat questions, get lost in familiar places, or not recognize close family—but they don’t realize it.
For some people, this lack of awareness might actually bring some peace. If they don’t know they’re declining, they may feel less stress. But for caregivers, this can make things more difficult.
The person might not understand why they need help, or why someone else is making decisions for them. This can lead to arguments or resistance.
Scientists have explored ways to help people with dementia become more aware, such as through certain games or therapy.
Some studies suggest that these activities can improve how a person sees themselves and their condition. But this can be tricky. Reminding someone too much about their illness might make them feel worse.
So, do people with dementia know they have it? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. It depends on the person, how far the disease has gone, and which parts of their brain are affected. Some days they may seem more aware than others, and that’s normal.
The most important thing to remember is that people with dementia need kindness, understanding, and care. Whether or not they realize what’s happening to them, they deserve respect and support. Knowing that awareness can change from day to day can help caregivers be more patient and provide better care.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
