Families often ask, “Are dementia patients aware of their condition?” In some cases, the short answer is no, they’re not aware they have dementia or Alzheimer’s. Let's explore this topic together so we can get to the bottom of it!
Does Someone With Dementia Know They Have It?
Cognitive impairment can cause people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, brain tumors, and other types of brain damage to believe that there’s nothing wrong.
This can be caused by a condition called anosognosia (pronounced ah-no-sog-NOH-zee-uh, hear it here).
Anosognosia means “not knowing a disease” and is distinct from denial.
What is Anosognosia?
Anosognosia is a condition that causes someone to be unaware of their mental health condition and how it affects them.
It’s common in some conditions, including dementia.
So, someone who has been diagnosed with dementia, but has anosognosia, doesn’t know or believe that they have dementia.
Anosognosia symptoms may vary from person to person, change over time, and even change within a day.
The person might sometimes understand what’s happening and other times firmly believe that they’re completely fine.
And other people might only be partially aware that there’s something wrong.
Is Anosognosia The Same As Denial?
No, when someone is in denial, they're aware of a fact, but refuse to accept it.
Someone who has anosognosia in dementia isn’t in denial – it’s something different.
With anosognosia, the dementia has caused damage in the brain that makes it impossible for that person to be aware of what’s happening to them.
Anosognosia symptoms
The unawareness of cognitive impairment can be related to memory, general thinking skills, emotions, or physical abilities.
The person might have trouble with language, like finding words, but they’re likely to explain these situations with excuses about forgetfulness or tiredness.
If they forget to bathe, miss appointments, or burn food on the stove, they’re still likely to make excuses and insist they don’t need help.
They’ll probably also insist that they can live independently and care for themselves, despite clear evidence that things are not OK.
Someone with anosognosia might get angry and defensive if someone reminds them about their cognitive impairment because, in their mind, they’re convinced that there’s no problem.
Recommended for you:
- Therapeutic Fibbing: Why Experts Recommend Lying to Someone With Dementia
- 3 Stages of Dementia: What to Expect as the Disease Progresses
- 9 Best Alzheimer’s and Dementia Books for Caregivers
About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
