Shadowing In Dementia: Why They Follow You Everywhere

Shadowing in dementia is one of the most exhausting behaviors caregivers face, and almost no one warns you about it. You can't walk to the bathroom alone anymore. The moment you stand up, they stand up. You step into the kitchen for five minutes and there they are in the doorway, watching you. The private phone calls are gone, the personal space is gone, and then comes the guilt for even wanting a moment to yourself.

In this episode I explain what is actually happening in the brain that drives shadowing, why your presence has become the only thing that makes them feel safe, and four things that genuinely help.

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⏱ CHAPTERS

0:00 - What shadowing looks like

1:54 - The many forms shadowing can take

2:55 - Reason one: the brain can't self-regulate fear

5:01 - Reason two: losing object permanence

5:51 - Reason three: the gap between now and later

7:08 - Four things that actually help

9:16 - The guilt of wanting space, and what it really means

 

#dementia #dementiacaregiver #shadowing #alzheimers #caregiversupport

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Hi, I'm Dr. Natali Edmonds, a board-certified geropsychologist specializing in dementia care. Whether your loved one has Alzheimer's, frontotemporal, Lewy body, vascular, or mixed dementia, we believe that to create a dementia-friendly world, we must first create a caregiver-friendly world.

This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for medical guidance.