A psychologisthas explored what a three-word phrase might signify when spoken by someone with dementia. While the expert was keen to avoid an overgeneralised 'blanket statement', she said it could originate from anxiety or safety concerns.

Dr Kellyn Lee, CEO of theDementia Care Hub, shared her insights in a recent TikTok in response to a viewer's comment explaining what it means when apatient asks 'to go home'. Despite recognising that each situation is different, the expert also provided some advice on how to support people experiencing this.

"So, what she said is, 'When someone with dementia is asking to go home, they are saying they don’t feel safe,'" Dr Lee said. "But we also can’t discount the fact that if somebody is living in a care home, for example, they may well be asking to go home because they don’t feel that this is home. They don’t recognise it as their home.

"And it may never be their home. So, it can’t be just a blanket statement that it’s saying that they don’t feel safe. It could be that actually they just want to go home. Absolutely, though there are a lot of people that are living with dementia, because of the cognitive impairment, because the messages aren’t flowing through as they should be, because perception isn’t quite what it should be, this can create high levels of anxiety."

Dementia is a syndrome that includes various symptoms linked to the ongoing decline of brain function. NHS figures indicate that over 944,000 people are living with dementia across the UK, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common form.

Although people often associate dementia with memory loss, it can also give rise to various other signs, including notable mood changes. Heightened irritability, anxiety, and depression are among these symptoms, which could potentially worsen over time.

Dr Lee continued: "So, when we have high levels of anxiety, what we can see are people in fight or flight. So, when people are asking to leave, it’s because they may not feel ok. So they are in that flight mode.

"So, what you need to do is you need to support that by validating the fact that they want to leave. What I would typically do with somebody is I will put my arm in their arm, or might rub their arm as I’m walking with them and we would go for a walk in order to allow the anxiety to work through that person.

"Cut stimulation - we don’t need stimulation. I don’t need to be asking them lots of questions. I just need to be reassuring them that, 'Do you know what? I’ve got you. I’m here with you.' and 'Let’s go for a walk and let’s walk this through'."

Official advice from the Alzheimer's Society builds on Dr Lee's thoughts. In cases where someone is worried or fearful, it advises: "Help the person find the right time and space to share their thoughts.

"If something very upsetting or traumatic has happened recently or in the past, the person may find it helpful to talk about them. If these conversations are too difficult or sensitive, or the person doesn’t feel comfortable talking to someone they know, ask a professional counsellor or therapist for help first."

For more information, visit the Alzheimer's Society's websitehere.

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According to the World Health Organisation, Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, accounting for roughly 60 to 70% of cases. Typically, initial symptoms appear as minor memory problems, such as misremembering names or forgetting conversations.

However, as the condition worsens, the NHS statesthat other signs may include:

• Hallucinations


• Difficulties with communication, speech or language


• Trouble making decisions


• Confusion, disorientation or getting lost in familiar places


• Low moods and anxiety


• Behavioural changes - increasing aggression or suspicion


• Problems moving around without assistance

Guidance from the NHS adds: "There's currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, but medicines are available that can help relieve some of the symptoms. Various other types of support are also available to help people with Alzheimer's live as independently as possible, such as making changes to your home environment so it's easier to move around and remember daily tasks.

"Psychological treatments such as cognitive stimulation therapy may also be offered to help support your memory, problem-solving skills and language ability."

Anyone experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease should consult their GP. More information is available on theNHS website.