When someone you love is living with dementia, it’s easy to feel lost.
You want to do the right thing, but the signs are confusing, and the changes are hard to make sense of. Every day brings new questions—and no roadmap.
At Full Bloom Memory Care, we believe families shouldn’t have to navigate dementia care alone. That’s why we use proven tools—rooted in both clinical insight and heartfelt compassion—to help you feel more confident and connected.
One of the most helpful frameworks we share is called the 7 A’s of Dementia. It explains the key changes that often occur as dementia progresses—so you can better understand what’s happening, and respond with empathy, patience, and clarity.
Whether your loved one has Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, or another form of dementia, learning the 7 A’s can help you show up with purpose and peace of mind.
What Are the 7 A's of Dementia?
The 7 A’s of dementia—anosognosia, amnesia, aphasia, agnosia, apraxia, altered perception, and apathy—are the result of brain damage caused by dementia. While not every person will experience all seven, many will face a combination of them. Knowing what to expect helps you meet your loved one where they are, and avoid unnecessary conflict, frustration, or fear.
1. Anosognosia: When They Don't Know They're Ill
Anosognosia is when someone with dementia truly doesn’t realize anything is wrong. It’s not denial—it’s the result of actual changes in the brain. So when your loved one refuses help or insists they’re fine, it’s not stubbornness. From their perspective, there’s simply no need for support. And if nothing’s wrong, why would they accept a caregiver?
What You Can Do:
- Don’t try to convince them they have dementia.
- Frame support as something positive: “Let’s cook together,” not “You need help.”
- Start with one thing they’ll accept help with—meals, cleaning, pet care—then build trust from there.
- Focus on safety, not winning an argument.
2. Amnesia: More Than Forgetting Names
Amnesia in dementia refers to progressive memory loss—starting with short-term forgetfulness and eventually affecting long-term memories, too. Your loved one may ask the same question repeatedly, forget what day or year it is, or even fail to recognize close friends and family. This can be heartbreaking to witness—but it’s not personal. It’s part of how the disease affects the brain.
What You Can Do:
- Use photos with names, large calendars, and memory cues.
- Stick to consistent routines to reduce confusion.
- Answer repeated questions with patience.
- Celebrate the present moment instead of correcting the past.
3. Aphasia: When Words Don't Work
Aphasia is a common symptom of dementia that affects a person’s ability to speak, understand, read, or write. Your loved one might pause mid-sentence, search for simple words, or seem confused during conversation. It can be frustrating—for both of you—when language no longer comes easily. But connection is still possible, even when words are limited.
What You Can Do:
- Use short sentences and allow extra time for replies.
- Communicate through touch, tone, and facial expression.
- Offer choices instead of open-ended questions (e.g., "Would you like to have a sandwich or some pasta?")
- Create a calm environment without distractions.
4. Agnosia: When The Familiar Becomes Unfamiliar
Agnosia is the loss of the ability to recognize familiar people, objects, or sounds—even though eyesight and hearing may still be intact. Your loved one might not recognize their toothbrush, mistake a fork for a comb, or become fearful of a loved one’s voice or reflection in the mirror.
This disconnection from the familiar can lead to confusion, fear, and even safety concerns—especially during daily tasks like grooming, dressing, or eating.
What You Can Do:
- Reintroduce yourself gently, even if you're close.
- Demonstrate how to use everyday items.
- Label important items and rooms.
- Simplify the environment and reduce visual clutter.
5. Apraxia: The Loss of Physical "How-To"
Apraxia is the loss of motor planning—the brain knows what it wants to do, but the body struggles to follow through. Your loved one may forget how to zip a jacket, hold a fork, or even take a step—not because they’re unwilling, but because the connection between intention and movement has been disrupted. This can lead to frustration for both the person living with dementia and the family trying to help.
What You Can Do:
- Break tasks into small, clear steps.
- Model actions before handing over objects.
- Use adaptive clothing and tools (e.g., velcro shoes, slip-on clothes, utensils with easy-grip handles)
- Stay patient. If they’re overwhelmed, pause and try again later.
6. Altered Perception: When The World Looks Different
Dementia can change the way your loved one sees the world—not just emotionally, but literally. Altered perception affects depth, distance, contrast, and spatial awareness. A shiny floor might look like water. A black doormat might appear to be a hole. Patterns, shadows, and mirrors can all become sources of confusion or fear. To your loved one, these misinterpretations feel very real—and their reactions are often attempts to stay safe in a world that no longer looks the same.
What You Can Do:
- Keep lighting consistent and reduce shadows.
- Use contrasting colors to highlight key objects.
- Remove or cover mirrors if they cause distress.
- Validate fears instead of dismissing them.
7. Apathy: When Motivation Fades
Apathy is a common but often misunderstood symptom of dementia. It’s not laziness or depression—it’s a loss of initiative caused by changes in the brain. Your loved one may seem disinterested, emotionally flat, or unwilling to engage in activities they once enjoyed. They may not start conversations, participate in hobbies, or even respond to encouragement the way they used to. This can feel discouraging, but there are ways to gently spark engagement.
What You Can Do:
- Create a steady rhythm with daily routines.
- Use music, scents, or sensory activities to spark interest.
- Offer gentle encouragement—never guilt or pressure.
- Find joy in quiet companionship.
You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone.
At Full Bloom Memory Care, we walk alongside families at every stage of the dementia journey. Whether you need education, hands-on care, or just someone to talk to, we’re here to help you feel less overwhelmed—and more confident in your role.
