Do old people with alzheimers get lost in their own homes?
The short answer is yes that is possible. Why? Well, first you
need to understand that Alzheimers is a disease that grows worse
over time. It destroys brain cells and as a result causes severe
cognitive losses it critical faculties like memory and
thinking.
Getting lost or losing one's sense of direction is relatively
common among demantia suffers in general and those with Alzheimers
are no exception. What happens is the the disease can destroy brain
cells in areas of the brain called the parietal lobes and the
hippocampus which in conjunction play a crucial role in the
formation of what is known as spatial memory. Spatial memory is
what enables you to walk with your eyes closed into a room in your
home and not crash into the furniture. It's like having a map of
the room stored in your brain so you recall where the various items
of furnture are in the room and where they are in relation to each
other and the door. Spatial memory is also what enables you the
understand maps and find your way home if go out.
So, if your spatial memory is not fully functioning it is quite
possible to lose your orientation even in your own home. One saving
grace is the fact that the more familiar you are with the
surroundings the greater is the brain cell destruction required
before one becomes confused and disorientated.