Time shifting dementia
Dementia has many recognisable symptoms, and others that caregivers may be unfamiliar with. Here, we are exploring how to effectively manage time shifting dementia.
What is dementia and its typical symptoms?
Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder that causes symptoms such as:
- Memory loss
- Communication issues
- Trouble concentrating
- Behavioural changes
- Confusion and disorientation about time and place
- Mood changes
Symptoms depend on the type of dementia at play and how severe it is (mild, moderate or advanced), and each person will be affected in their own way. The condition is most prevalent in those over 65, and around 900,000 people in the UK live with the challenging symptoms it can bring. Eventually, most older people with dementia will require specialist dementia care to manage more challenging symptoms such as sundowning (an increased confusion and agitation when it starts to get dark), appearing to walk around without purpose, or time shifting.
What is time shifting in dementia?
People living with dementia can become confused about a number of things, including their location, who is around them, and the time. Time shifting is linked to memory loss, and refers to confusion around their perception of time. Time shifting may cause them to misunderstand the sequence of days, think upcoming events have already happened, or more commonly, believe past events are happening now.
Time shifting can cause people with dementia to think they need to get up to go to work, look after a young child, or that they recently spoke to a family member that has actually been deceased for a long time. This can also cause them to repeatedly ask questions, become anxious, or regularly become disorientated about the time, date or year.
Why is perception of time sometimes altered for people with dementia?
Time shifting is thought to happen when areas of the brain that help process and regulate temporal information are affected. This can cause time to feel altered, confuse their sense of how much time has passed, and make them unable to manage their time effectively. It may also affect circadian rhythms, so they become unaware of when it is day or night, or the seasons.
General memory loss can also impact their perception of time; when they are unable to remember things that happened recently, they don’t have an accurate reference point for when past events happened.
One common challenge with dementia is an inability to read a clock, even if they have always been able to do this. You can learn more here: The Best Clocks for People with Dementia
How can we help?
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How can caregivers support those struggling with time shifting in dementia?
Patience and understanding is key when managing time shifting in dementia. It is important to remember that a person who has time shifted is experiencing a different reality to you, so may question things and feel anxious when context clues do not align with their beliefs.
Caregivers managing time shifting should always:
- Respond calmly to questions and use gentle reminders
- Create routines to minimise confusion
- Use visual cues to help them remember things on their own
- Don’t correct them if they are happy and safe
- Acknowledge any anxiety and reassure them you will do what you can to help
- Remain pleasant and calm in all interactions so they feel safe even if they do not recognise you
Get them a dementia clock to help them gauge time throughout the day
Why Home Instead?
Having dedicated, dementia-trained caregivers in the home–whether for occasional visiting care or full-time live-in care–can make a huge difference to the everyday life of a person living with this challenging condition.
At Home Instead, our Care Professionals are trained in person-centred dementia care that helps manage challenging symptoms like time-shifting and sundowning. We use a programme that is Assured by City & Guilds, and we are rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk. Plus, many of our locations are deemed “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), so families can feel confident and comfortable leaving a loved one with dementia to live independently knowing that any confusion or worry they feel can be managed.
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FAQs
What is time shifting in dementia?
Time shifting is when a person with dementia believes they are living in a different time period of their life – for example, thinking they are young again or that loved ones who have passed away are still alive. It’s a common symptom caused by changes in the brain that affect memory and perception of time.
Why does time shifting happen?
As dementia progresses, the brain can struggle to store and retrieve memories correctly. This can cause confusion between past and present events, leading the person to “shift” to a time that feels more familiar or comforting to them.
How should I respond when my loved one experiences time shifting?
It’s best not to correct or challenge them, as this can cause distress or frustration. Instead, join their reality with gentle reassurance – listen, show empathy, and use calm, comforting responses to help them feel safe.
Can home care help someone experiencing time shifting?
Yes. Trained Care Professionals understand how to respond compassionately during time shifting episodes. They can use reminiscence techniques, conversation, and routine to provide reassurance and stability, helping reduce anxiety and confusion.
How can I make home life easier for a loved one who experiences time shifting?
Keeping to a consistent routine, displaying familiar photos, and using clear cues such as clocks and calendars can help. A professional dementia carer can also provide structured support, companionship, and gentle reminders to maintain a calm, safe environment.