Purpose in Life when Living with Dementia
Having a purpose in life reflects on one’s life goals and the desire to pursue them. Having a purpose gives one the internal motivation to achieve positive health outcomes. Early studies related to retirement indicated a possible negative association that retirement could make people feel lost and aimless. But more recent research suggests that life after retirement is an opportunity to experience a renewed sense of purpose in life.
Aristotle believed that “living well” is the ability to utilize one’s full potential and do the highest good. He felt that purpose is important because it can shape how one sees themselves and their world. So what if you are living with a neurocognitive disorder such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease? How does that affect one’s purpose and quality of life?
From the earliest suspicions that something is “just not right’ before any official diagnosis of a neurocognitive disorder, the person’s quality of life is affected. Social, behavioral, and cognitive changes are occurring, and this can influence the person’s (or family’s) perception of a reduced sense of purpose. This can lead to depression, anxiety, shame, and fear of the unknown. Thus, it is imperative that families and friends help the person with progressive cognitive decline find purpose and meaning to improve overall well-being.
To live purposefully, we must help our loved-one contribute to conversations and decisions. Because they cannot follow current news and some conversations, they show purpose by sharing stories of a better time, often repeating the same story, even during one conversation. By validating that memory each time the story is told, or a question is asked, we let the person know they continue to have meaning in their lives and ours. Studies show a correlation between greater purpose in life and lower rates of depression.
Creating meaningful activities will not only improve mood and sense of self but will also help with behavioral symptoms that can manifest because of boredom, anxiety, or lack of stimulation. Keeping your family member involved in meal prep, self-care, or gardening, is very important. Because of a decrease in initiating activities, setting the person up for success is key.
Meaningful activities should be linked to hobbies or tasks related to previous work. They can provide a person living with dementia with emotionally nurturing experiences to increase self-esteem and feel valued.
If you, a friend, or family member living with memory loss would be interested in learning more about our Memory Ministry or Memory Café, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@firstumc.org