Disorientation

Referenced definition

“Disorientation describes the inability to correctly acknowledge the current time, place […]. These dimensions are called orientation to time, space, situation […].”

Source: Schnider A. Confabulation and reality filtering. Encyclopedia of Human Behavior (Second Edition). 2012

Context

“Disorientation is a common problem for many people with Alzheimer’s disease. Sometimes familiar objects look different or unfamiliar (visual disorientation), while at other times space appears confusing, which makes navigation from one place to another difficult (spatial disorientation).”

Source: Dolan Memory Care Homes. Disorientation. [Internet]. [cited on May 9, 2023]. 

Note

• At the beginning, a person with AD has difficulty finding their way in unknown places. Then, they become confused even in familiar places.
• Memory loss may cause the person to think they are still living in another time.
• Disorientation may lead to wandering away from home, anxiety, and panic.