How to Support a Loved One with Dementia During Cognitive Testing

Dementia is a progressive cognitive decline that affects a person’s memory, thinking and reasoning abilities. Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming for both the individual and their family, as it often requires ongoing medical evaluations and mental health assessments. These assessments, while essential in dementia diagnosis and tracking its progression, can be stressful for many patients. As a result, family members and caregivers play an important role in helping dementia patients feel comfortable during these assessments.

Here are some practical tips to help families and caregivers create a supportive environment for dementia patients undergoing cognitive evaluations, ensuring they feel safe, heard and at ease throughout the process.

Before we dive into tips for making cognitive assessments more comfortable, it’s crucial to understand why these evaluations are essential. A dementia diagnosis is often based on these cognitive and mental health assessments, which measure the severity of cognitive impairment, track changes over time, and guide treatment options. However, for many patients, cognitive assessments can be distressing. Many individuals with dementia may struggle with unfamiliar environments, instructions or tests that challenge their cognitive abilities. At Samvedna Care, we emphasize the importance of creating a supportive and reassuring environment to help patients feel comfortable and at ease during these evaluations.

Some of the key strategies to help patients feel more at ease are:

Create a Familiar and Calm Environment

Dementia patients often experience confusion, disorientation and anxiety, especially in unfamiliar settings. Since cognitive assessments are usually done in clinical environments, it’s crucial to create a calm, familiar space to reduce stress.

Familiar faces: A caregiver or family member who is well-known to the patient should accompany the person so that they can provide reassurance and reduce feelings of fear or unease.
Comfort items: Allow patients to bring personal items that make them feel at home, such as a favourite blanket, photos or a comforting object if needed. These familiar items can provide emotional security during the process.
Calm surroundings: Ensure the room is quiet and free from distractions. Loud noises, busy environments or too many people in the room can agitate patient, especially those with dementia.

Explain the Process in Simple Terms

Cognitive assessments can be hard for dementia patients to understand. It’s important to explain the process clearly, avoiding medical jargon or complicated terms that might cause confusion.

Be patient: Take time to explain what will happen during the assessment if the patient has the ability and insight about the condition. Use simple, calm language and ensure the patient understands that the assessment is a routine part of their care.
Reassurance: Let them know that the goal of the test is not to pass or fail but to help the specialist understand their needs and adjust care plans accordingly.
Short explanations: If the patient is prone to forgetfulness, repeat key information briefly and gently without overwhelming them with too much detail at once.
In elderly care, particularly in dementia care, communication is key. Ensuring the patient feels respected and fully informed, even if they may forget the information shortly after, will help them feel more at ease during the process.

Use Relaxation Techniques

Many patients with dementia experience heightened levels of anxiety, especially when faced with unfamiliar tasks. To help alleviate this, try using relaxation techniques before and during the cognitive assessment.

Deep breathing exercises: Simple breathing exercises can help calm the nerves of a patient before an assessment. Teach them to take slow, deep breaths to reduce stress.
Gentle touch: For some patients, holding their hand or offering a gentle touch can provide comfort. Ensure that any physical contact is respectful and welcomed.
Positive distractions: In some cases, having soft music or nature sounds in the background can create a calming atmosphere. A familiar tune may also evoke positive memories, helping patients feel more grounded.

4. Be Flexible and Patient

Dementia patients may take longer to respond or struggle with tasks during cognitive assessments. It’s important to be patient and flexible, as they may need extra time or be unable to complete all parts of the assessment.

Allow breaks: If the assessment involves a lengthy session, it’s crucial to schedule breaks to avoid overwhelming the patient. This gives them a chance to relax and recharge.
Don’t rush: Avoid rushing the patient or pressuring them to complete tasks quickly. Give them the space they need to answer questions at their own pace, even if it means slowing down the process.
Be understanding: If the patient becomes frustrated or agitated, offer reassurance. Encourage them gently and help them refocus if needed. Being flexible and understanding is a cornerstone of dementia care.

5. Provide Emotional Support

Patients with dementia may feel vulnerable or embarrassed by their cognitive decline. Family members and caregivers should be ready to offer emotional support before, during and after the assessment.

Empathy: Acknowledge their feelings and let them know that it’s okay to feel uneasy. Reassure them that they are not alone, and you are there to support them throughout the process.
Encourage self-esteem: Patients with dementia may experience a loss of self-confidence as their cognitive abilities decline. Use positive reinforcement to remind them of their strengths and the progress they have made.
Celebrate small victories: Even if the patient struggles during the assessment, celebrate the effort they put into the process. This boosts their morale and reinforces that they are doing their best.

Cognitive and mental health assessments are crucial for diagnosing and managing dementia, but they can be overwhelming for patients. Caregivers can ease the process by creating a calm environment, using clear communication, incorporating relaxation techniques, and allowing flexibility. At Samvedna Care, we understand the challenges faced by individuals with dementia and their families. Our expert team provides compassionate support, guiding caregivers on how to create a reassuring environment during assessments and beyond. By prioritizing comfort and dignity, we help ensure a more positive experience for dementia patients and their loved ones.