Symptom 5. Trouble Understanding Visual Images and Spatial Relationships: A Changed Perspective in Dementia
Vision problems can also be a symptom of certain types of dementia. While it’s typical for visual acuity to decrease with age, the changes experienced in dementia go beyond the need for glasses.
Early in the progression of dementia, individuals may find it difficult to judge distances, making tasks like climbing stairs or parking a car increasingly difficult. They may also struggle with distinguishing colors or contrast, making it harder to read or recognize faces.
As dementia continues to progress, problems with vision can become more severe. An individual may start experiencing hallucinations, seeing things that aren’t there. These hallucinations can be distressing and lead to reactions like fear or agitation.
Additionally, individuals with dementia might also face challenges in interpreting what they see. They might not recognize their reflection in the mirror, thinking it’s another person instead. This confusion can lead to distressing situations and reveals a significant alteration in the brain’s ability to process and understand visual information. (5)
