Home care for dementia and confabulation
Support for those living with dementia and their families, making issues like confabulation easier to manage with the help of experienced, specialist dementia Care Professionals.
What is dementia, and what kind of care does this require?
Dementia is a condition characterised by cognitive decline, causing symptoms of memory loss, impaired decision making, and struggles with daily tasks. Around 900,000 people in the UK currently live with this condition, and many require dementia care that might involve:
- Personal care, like helping with washing and dressing
- Medication management
- Emotional support and companionship to avoid loneliness
- Managing things like hallucinations, “sundowning”, and other behavioural issues
- Specialist dementia care to manage complex behaviours like confabulation
The emotional side of caring for someone with dementia at home can be challenging for families, particularly if they are hallucinating, scared, having delusions, or appear to be confabulating stories.
What is confabulation?
Dementia can cause many behavioural changes, including paranoia, delusions, fear, and confabulation, which usually occurs in the early stages of dementia due to brain deterioration. This means a person with dementia will create false memories without the intention to deceive.
While this might sound like lying or delusions, confabulation is a coping mechanism that prompts the brain to fill in memory gaps that are common with dementia. There are many reasons why they might distort memories, and this is sometimes referred to as “honest lying”. Confabulation is most common in a dementia type called Korsakoff syndrome, or in those with Alzheimer’s disease, but it can occur in other types, too.
Spotting the signs of confabulation, and what to do about it
Research shows that, typically, confabulation is partly based in reality, making it more difficult to identify. These stories can be somewhat believable, but may also be inconsistent or contradictory, which is how caregivers and family members can start to identify this confabulation. They differ from delusions, because delusions are essentially false beliefs, whereas confabulations are false memories.
They can be difficult and upsetting for loved ones to manage, but it is important to remember that many people with dementia are unaware that they are doing this. If someone is suspected of confabulating memories in a clinical setting, a specialist may choose to ask them questions, get family insights, and check with multiple sources.
How can we help?
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Home Instead have an experienced caring team that far exceeds in quality anything we experienced from other agencies at this point of service.Steve, Client
Home Instead have been looking after my father for a few years now, without them we would not be able to manage having him living in his own home. They are always bright and cheerful and Dad enjoys seeing them.Bridget, Clients Family
From day one Home Instead has given us a first-class professional caring service. Office staff and carers very helpful and understanding.Paul and Sandra, Clients
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How to manage confabulation in a loved one with dementia
It may be instinctual for caregivers to want to correct false memories and replace them with what they know to be true, but in some cases this can lead to frustration, anger, or embarrassment. If the confabulation is unlikely to harm them, and is mostly pleasant, then it may be easier to allow them to continue uninterrupted – caregivers should use their best judgement when handling confabulation.
Families who become frustrated by false memories should seek support from others who can corroborate information, and keep a diary to highlight inconsistencies. Sometimes confabulation can be managed with cognitive behavioural treatments, but ultimately, approaching the situation with patience is often the best way to maintain the person’s dignity.
Why Home Instead?
Our Care Professionals are trained to deliver dementia care that has been specially developed using a unique programme which is City & Guilds Assured, and they take time to understand your loved one’s unique dementia-related needs. If confabulation is an issue, they can help to manage this while prioritising their dignity.
We are proudly rated 9.6 on Homecare.co.uk, with many of our locations also rated “outstanding” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
“Home Instead helped to quickly put together a care package for my two elderly parents who both suffer from dementia, taking into account their practical needs but also getting to know them as people…”
– Home Instead client (Charnwood, Loughborough & Coalville) via homecare.co.uk
FAQs
What is confabulation in dementia?
Confabulation in dementia refers to the unintentional creation of false memories or stories. Individuals may fill in memory gaps with fabricated or distorted information, often without realising it. This is not lying but a symptom of memory impairment caused by dementia.
Why does confabulation happen in dementia?
Confabulation occurs because dementia affects the brain’s ability to store, retrieve, and process memories. When memory gaps arise, the brain may attempt to “fill in the blanks” with information that feels logical or familiar, even if it’s inaccurate.
Is confabulation common in all types of dementia?
Confabulation is more common in certain types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. It is also frequently seen in conditions like Korsakoff syndrome, which specifically impacts memory. However, not everyone with dementia will experience confabulation.
How should I respond to confabulation in a loved One?
Responding with patience and empathy is key. Avoid correcting or arguing, as this can cause frustration or distress. Instead, gently redirect the conversation or validate their feelings without focusing on the inaccuracies. The goal is to maintain trust and emotional comfort.
Can confabulation be treated or managed?
While there is no specific treatment for confabulation, it can be managed by creating a supportive environment. Strategies include:
- Encouraging routines to reduce confusion.
- Using memory aids like calendars or photos.
- Providing gentle reminders when appropriate.
- Consulting healthcare professionals for tailored advice.
Support from caregivers and professionals can help minimise the impact of confabulation on daily life.