Understanding Brain Changes in Dementia and Our Unique Approach to Memory Care

Dementia is more than just memory loss—it’s a profound shift in how the brain functions. Understanding what’s happening in the brain is key to more compassionate, effective caregiving for care partners and loved ones. 

At Traditions Management, we take a positive, person-centered approach to memory care. We are committed to caring for the seniors with dignity and positivity. Learn more about our unique approach to memory care, including simple interventions you can also try at home. 

Our approach centers on environment, engagement, and education. Varietas® employees also receive regular training, including: 

• Varietas® Memory Care Training
• Memory Care Sensitivity Training
• Evidence-based training that stimulates changes associated with cognitive decline

Recently, we explored how to better understand how the brain changes in seniors living with dementia, exploring the work of established expert Teepa Snow. We share this as a way for you to understand the important work being done to provide the best possible care for our residents. 

Why Brain Knowledge Matters

When someone is living with dementia, their behaviors, emotions, and abilities can change from moment to moment. Knowing why these changes occur helps care partners respond with empathy rather than frustration. It empowers caregivers to adjust their approach and improve the quality of life for everyone involved.

The Brain: Our Body’s Control Center

The brain is divided into two major parts:

• The Limbic System (Core Brain): Handles instincts and emotions.
• The Cortex (Thinking Brain): Manages reasoning, planning, and self-control.

The Core Brain: Emotions and Instincts

The limbic system, which includes the amygdala, is the oldest part of the brain and controls:

• Hunger, thirst, sleep
• Emotions and impulses
• Fight, flight, and fright responses

This part of the brain is preserved longer in dementia, which is why emotional reactions may seem intense or out of proportion. The person might not remember why they’re upset, but the feeling lingers.

The Thinking Brain: Reason and Perspective

The cortex is responsible for:

• Impulse control
• Decision-making
• Understanding other perspectives

It’s the last to develop in childhood—and the first to decline in dementia. This leads to:

• Poor judgment
• Difficulty understanding consequences
• Inability to see things from others’ viewpoints

Sensing the World Differently

People living with dementia often experience the world through a changed lens.

Sight: The Changing Visual Field

• Early changes reduce peripheral vision.
• Mid-stage vision narrows to binocular focus.
• Late-stage brings difficulty with depth perception.

This can lead to startling reactions or trouble recognizing steps, curbs, or items on a table.

Hearing: It’s Not Just the Ears

The brain must process sound to understand it:

• Left brain: words and meaning
• Right brain: rhythm, tone, and melody

In dementia, people may lose the ability to understand speech but still respond to music, poetry, and emotional tones.

Smell and Taste: Safety at Risk

• Loss of smell can make it hard to detect danger (like spoiled food).
• People may crave strong flavors (sweet or salty).

Touch and Movement

• The sense of touch remains, but the ability to judge safety fades.
• There may be an increasedsk for injury or discomfort.

The Shrinking Brain

As dementia progresses, the brain may shrink significantly—sometimes to one-third its original size. Yet, many abilities still come and go. This is due to chemical fluctuations that make someone seem “with it” one moment and confused the next. It’s not intentional—it’s the brain trying its best.

Memory: More Than Forgetting

• Working memory—what we use to hold information in the moment—is affected early.
• Emotional memory often stays intact. A person may forget your name but remember how you make them feel.

Final Thoughts

Dementia affects the whole brain, not just memory. People living with it are doing the best they can with the abilities they still have. As care partners, we can choose how we respond—with patience, creativity, and love. If you have further questions about our unique approach to memory care, visit our website.