Apathy or depression

It’s very common for people with dementia to no longer be interested—or usually, no longer able to do—things like cooking or crosswords or knitting. Their brains just don’t work that way anymore. Many don’t remember people in photos, so no interest in those.  Nor can they follow TV plots/stories, although many seem to be OK with very simple things like animal shows or old comedies, or variety shows. 

They may well have liked and done various activities before, but dementia takes away those abilities and interests. Yes, apathy is often part of dementia, but also, they simply just cannot do the things they used to. That’s dementia. Their brains are broken, not working like they used to. They may enjoy, or do, things that seem very boring to us, like watching out a window, but we don’t have dementia.

This is something I tend to worry about as well—the lack of engagement in anything unless initiated by others (no longer reading, initiating listening to music/watching things, etc.) so often try to stop by my LO's AL place and turn something on as I'm leaving as I think he does pay some attention once a game or a show is on. I know if with someone, he's more inclined to pay attention. However, he doesn't ever seem to turn it on himself. I think the staff does sometimes, and I have put a list of some favorites on a bulletin board in case he or the staff check it and think of turning it on. Any other suggestions welcome, though I am trying hard to take the above to heart: to remind myself that the focus is on him and not my projection of what he should be doing. And yes, some days easier than others. Thanks for the insights.

Thanks so much—I'll plan to start a new thread on the apathy topic. And I appreciate your question and will plan to explore and give thought to that as I observe overall and see how he continues to adjust (he recently moved to this AL from out of state to be close, where he was in IL but with added assistance, and when I began to realize he needed more help). Overall he seems to be doing great, I must say, though without initiative/exec function. I do know that it was the same for some time where he had been; I just see it more first-hand now, I guess. It is a tough/scary question to consider—I think mostly because the MC section is "secured" (I believe all are). I didn't mention that he eats all of his meals with others in the dining room (yes, he's directed when to go) and has several small groups he eats and converses with, I know. He also does go to the exercise classes and some activities—I think all with prompting.

As of now, the recommendations had been for AL, but I know he may be "in-between"—I will see how things go and try to get input from the staff, therapists, etc., as things go forward. Thanks again, and thoughts welcome.