When most people think of dementia, they think of memory loss – forgetting names, appointments, or familiar routines. But dementia is more than that. It can touch how a person feels, how they move, and how they experience the world around them.
At Maplewood Senior Living, we see these changes every day, but we also see the strength, personality, and resilience that remain. By understanding how dementia affects mood, movement, and perception, families and caregivers can respond with greater compassion and confidence, helping loved ones live with meaning and comfort each day.
Dementia affects more than memory; it also changes the brain’s ability to manage emotion. Someone who was once easygoing may now seem anxious, withdrawn, or easily frustrated. Others may show a wide range of emotions—sometimes cheerful and talkative, other times quiet and reflective.
These changes can be difficult for families to witness, but they are a natural part of how dementia affects the brain. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, strong emotional reactions such as sadness, anger, or confusion often reflect an individual’s effort to make sense of what’s happening around them.
At Maplewood, we approach every interaction with empathy and patience. Our associates receive specialized training in dementia communication, focusing on validating feelings and building trust. By responding to emotion rather than correcting behavior, we help residents feel heard, respected, and supported.
We also offer educational programs for families, like Caregiver’s Compass and Compassionate Connections, to help them better understand and navigate the emotional changes that accompany memory loss.
Many people don’t realize that dementia can also affect coordination, balance, and gait. Walking may become slower or more unsteady, and multitasking, such as walking and talking at the same time, can be harder. The National Institute on Aging notes that changes in walking speed can appear before cognitive decline becomes obvious.
That’s why movement plays such a key role in our approach to care. At Maplewood communities, residents participate in tailored exercise programs designed to build strength, improve flexibility, and enhance confidence. From morning stretch classes and gentle yoga to balance training and dance therapy, movement becomes an enjoyable part of daily life.
Our wellness teams work closely with residents to create plans that meet individual needs, encouraging safe activity and social engagement. Keeping the body active supports not only mobility, but also mood and brain health, helping residents feel more connected and capable.
Dementia can also affect how a person interprets what they see. A patterned floor may look like a hole, a reflection might seem like another person, or a shadow could appear as an obstacle. These visual and spatial changes can make familiar spaces feel confusing or even frightening.
As the Alzheimer’s Society explains, these shifts happen because the brain is processing sensory information differently, not because of problems with eyesight.
At Maplewood, our environments are designed to support comfort, confidence, and familiarity. Soft lighting, natural materials, and open floor plans reduce visual stress and make navigation easier. Soothing color palettes, clear pathways, and quiet, welcoming spaces help residents feel grounded and secure.
We also use sensory experiences, like aromatherapy, music, and tactile activities, to promote calm and engagement. Each detail is intentional, reflecting our belief that surroundings can nurture emotional well-being just as much as care and companionship do.
At Maplewood, we believe exceptional dementia care begins with understanding the whole person. That means looking beyond the condition to see the individual – their preferences, history, and sense of purpose.
Our Elements of Exceptional Care guide everything we do, from emotional support and physical wellness to intellectual stimulation and purposeful engagement. Associates build relationships through conversation, shared activities, and daily rituals that bring comfort and connection. Families are valued partners in care, and we provide education, counseling, and support to help them feel informed and empowered.
Every experience, from dining to daily routines, is designed to help residents feel at home, capable, and part of a vibrant community.
Dementia changes how a person remembers, moves, and perceives—but it does not diminish their identity or capacity for joy. Each day still holds opportunities for meaning, laughter, and connection.
At Maplewood Senior Living, we are committed to creating those moments through empathy, purposeful programming, and a deep respect for every individual’s journey. When we see the whole picture, we can offer care that’s not only exceptional, but truly human.
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