The Challenge of Shadowing in Dementia

Shadowing in Dementia. It's exactly what the word says.

Picture this: It's summer and beautifully sunny out. A young child is running around and watching his shadow follow him wherever he goes. He stops; it stops. He runs; it chases him. He raises his arm; so does the dark form on the cement. Whatever he does and wherever he goes, so does the shadow.

So it can be with a person who has Alzheimer's. They may follow their loved one around everywhere, likely because that person is their security. It's understandable that in a world of confusion and uncertainty, one would cling to the only familiar person in all of it.

While some people don't seem to mind, shadowing can be difficult for other caregivers to handle at times. The ever present person who, because of the effects of dementia, follows you to the bathroom, out the door, into the kitchen, into the sitting room and upstairs. As much as you love him, you might want a little space, or a brief time alone.

So, what can you do to get a reprieve without upsetting your loved one? Recently I put together some thoughts on how to handle this behavior in the article below.

Shadowing in Alzheimer's Disease: What Is It and How Can You Cope with It?

Have any ideas? Is there something that's worked well for you?