Why is My Loved One with Dementia Crying?
Updated: Sep 17
Crying can be a way for a person with dementia to communicate when they can no longer explain what they are feeling. It may be caused by changes in the brain, an unmet physical need, confusion or fear, too much noise or activity, or the increased distress that can happen during sundowning. When your loved one begins to cry, stay calm and gently look for what may be troubling them. Check for pain, hunger, thirst, tiredness, discomfort, or the need to use the bathroom. Sometimes a quiet room, familiar music, gentle reassurance, or simply sitting beside them can bring comfort.
Understanding Emotional Changes
Neurological Changes: Damage to the frontal lobe weakens emotional control, causing sudden, intense crying spells
Unmet Physical Needs: Crying can be a cry for help reguarding hidden pain, a UTI, exhaustion, hunger, or physical discomfort.
Confusion & Fear: A fading memory makes the world feel unfamiliar and frightening, triggering anxiety and grief.
Sensory Overload: Loud environments, bright lights, or routine changes can cause complete overwhelm.
Sundowning: Increased distress, pacing, and crying that spikes specifically in the late afternoon or early evening.
5 Gentle Ways to Make Evenings Calmer With Dementia
Evening can sometimes bring increased confusion, restlessness or anxiety for someone living with dementia. In this short presentation, I share five gentle, practical ways to create a calmer evening and help your loved one feel more comfortable and secure.
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