If you’ve noticed that someone you know is becoming increasingly detached from reality as they age, you’re not alone.
This can be a confusing and even scary experience.
Often, this detachment takes the form of certain behaviors – that people adopt without even realizing it.
It’s not just forgetfulness or a quirky personality trait. It can be a serious issue that needs to be addressed. But understanding these behaviors could be the first step in helping.
This is what we’re going to explore in this article. Get ready to delve deep into this often misunderstood topic.
1) Misplacing things frequently
We all misplace our keys or phone from time to time, but as some people get older, this can become an increasingly frequent occurrence.
It’s not just about forgetfulness either – it can be a sign of losing touch with reality.
What you might notice is that the misplaced items are often found in illogical places, like the fridge or a cupboard.
And when asked about it, the person may not remember how it got there. This can be baffling and frustrating for both parties involved.
You may feel tempted to brush it off as a simple mistake or an age-related memory issue.
But if it keeps happening, it could be more serious. It’s a subtle sign that the person is slowly losing touch with their reality and they might not even realize it.
Remember, this is not done on purpose or out of carelessness. It’s an unconscious behavior and understanding this can help you approach the situation with empathy and patience.
2) Avoiding social interactions
Interestingly, as some people age and start to lose touch with reality, they might begin to avoid social interactions.
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You’d think that as reality becomes more challenging to grasp, they’d lean on others for support. But, it’s often the opposite.
They may start declining invitations to social events, isolating themselves or showing less interest in conversations. This might not seem like a big deal at first. After all, everyone needs alone time, right?
But when it turns into a pattern, it’s worth paying attention to. They’re not just becoming introverted or unsociable.
The avoidance of social interactions could be a coping mechanism for their changing understanding of reality.
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They may be withdrawing because they are struggling to keep up with conversations or because they feel overwhelmed by the social demands.
3) Changes in sleep patterns
Sleep is our body’s way of resetting and preparing for a new day. But as some people get older and start to lose touch with reality, their sleep patterns can be significantly disrupted.
They may start staying awake much later into the night, or waking up unusually early. Some might even experience bouts of insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness.
These disruptions in sleep can lead to a vicious cycle of fatigue, confusion and further detachment from reality.
Interestingly, our brain uses sleep time to consolidate memories and process information from the day. When sleep becomes disrupted, this process is affected, potentially contributing to the individual’s increasing detachment from reality.
Seeing these changes in a loved one’s sleep pattern can be a sign that they are struggling.
It’s not just a matter of poor sleep hygiene or age-related sleep issues, it might be an unconscious behavior indicating their altered perception of reality.
4) Neglecting personal hygiene
It can be hard to understand why someone you care about suddenly doesn’t seem to care about their own cleanliness or appearance. It’s not that they’ve become lazy or stopped caring.
In reality, as they struggle with their changing perception of the world around them, personal hygiene can become a lower priority, or even overwhelming.
They may forget to brush their teeth, shower less frequently, or wear the same clothes for several days. Watching this happen can be difficult and it’s natural to worry.
Your patience and understanding during these times can make a world of difference to them. Offering gentle reminders or assistance with these tasks can be a great way to support them without making them feel criticized or judged.
5) Difficulty making decisions
Ever had one of those days where even choosing what to have for lunch seems like a monumental task?
Now, imagine that feeling extending to most decisions, most days. That’s what some people who are losing touch with reality as they age may experience.
They could struggle with making even the simplest decisions like what clothes to wear or which TV show to watch. It’s not that they’re indecisive or unsure, it’s that their brain is having a hard time processing information and making logical choices.
So, if you notice your loved one taking an unusually long time to make simple decisions or avoiding decision-making altogether, it could be more than just an off day. It might be an unconscious sign of their struggle with reality.
6) Repeating stories or questions
You likely know someone who loves to tell the same story over and over again. Usually, it’s funny or endearing, but when someone starts to lose touch with reality as they age, this repetition might take on a different meaning.
They might repeat the same story within a short period or ask the same question multiple times, even after receiving an answer. It’s as if they’re stuck in a loop, unable to remember recent conversations.
I once knew an elderly gentleman who would ask about the weather at least five times within an hour, despite having just looked out the window himself. It was not just forgetfulness; it was a sign of his struggle to hold onto reality.
7) Increasing dependence on others
It’s a fact of life that as we age, we may need to rely more on others for certain tasks.
But when someone is losing touch with reality, this dependence can become more pronounced and extend to areas of life where they were previously independent.
They might start needing help with tasks like paying bills, grocery shopping, or even finding their way around familiar places. This can be hard to accept, both for the individual and for those close to them.
It’s crucial to step in and offer help where needed while also encouraging them to maintain as much independence as possible. It’s a tough balance to strike, but one that’s necessary for their well-being.
8) Emotional changes
When someone is losing touch with reality, it’s not just their behaviors that change.
Their emotional state often changes too. They may become more irritable, anxious, or seem unusually sad.
These emotional changes aren’t just mood swings or typical signs of aging. They’re often a reflection of the internal confusion and fear they may be experiencing as their reality becomes harder to grasp.
Conclusion
Understanding these behaviors is key to truly helping someone who is increasingly losing touch with reality as they age.
And remember, it’s not about pointing out their struggles or making them feel inadequate.
This article aims to equip you with knowledge, but ultimately, the choice is yours on how to apply it. Compassion spent on understanding their world is never wasted.
True intelligence in this context means being wise enough not to let frustration or confusion guide your reactions, but rather understanding and empathy.
Here’s to creating a supportive and compassionate environment for those facing these tough challenges!
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