Navigating Time-shifting in Alzheimer's: Understanding and Managing the Experience

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for families and caregivers impacted by Alzheimer's. Throughout this month, we’ll share insights to address some common challenges families face when caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's. This week’s article explores a frequently asked question: What should you do when someone with Alzheimer’s begins to experience time-shifting? 

What is Time-shifting in Alzheimer’s Disease? 

Time-shifting is a phenomenon that affects many people with Alzheimer’s disease, where individuals "travel back in time" mentally, experiencing memories from an earlier part of their life as if they were happening in the present. This can mean they might ask about long-passed family members, expect to see a younger version of themselves, or recall specific events as if they were still ongoing. For example, someone with Alzheimer's might inquire about a deceased parent or anticipate a visit from someone who was important to them decades ago. 

This phenomenon can be disorienting for families, as it often brings up painful memories or conversations. For caregivers, time-shifting can be challenging as well since the person is using older memories to fill in the gaps to make sense of the present. Deciding how to respond compassionately—whether to gently correct, play along, or redirect the conversation—can make all the difference in how your loved one feels in that moment. 

How Does a Person Experience Time-shifting? 

For those experiencing Alzheimer’s, time-shifting feels very real. It’s not merely a memory they recall but a "present-day" moment they are fully immersed in.  To them, these episodes are authentic, as their brain is retrieving these memories with such vividness that it overrides current reality. 

• Expecting to pick up children from school, even though the children are grown and have families of their own. 

• Not recognizing family members because they are recalling a version of their relatives from the past, possibly when the person looked younger or different, or from an earlier stage in their relationship. 

• Struggling with technology they once knew how to use with ease, such as a smartphone or computer. 

• Reverting to past routines such as thinking they need to go to work, even though they may have been retired for many years. 

• Living in a past memory as though it’s happening right now. For instance, they may insist that they are still living in an earlier home or city. 

A Personal Story of Responding to time-shifting with Compassion 

When my grandmother developed Alzheimer’s, time-shifting became a part of her everyday reality. She frequently asked things about her past like why her sisters weren’t home. I had to make a quick decision the first time this happened, and I chose to tell her the truth—that her sisters had passed away. Unfortunately, this led to a heartbreaking reaction as she relieved the grief of losing her sisters. Witnessing her panic and stress, I realized that the best way to respond might not always be with blunt honesty. 

Instead, I found that gently redirecting her question or bringing up positive memories helped her feel calm and comforted. Over time, when she asked about her sisters, I would talk about the wonderful times they shared together or prompt her to tell me her favorite stories about them. This approach made a noticeable difference, allowing her to reminisce peacefully rather than face unnecessary grief. 

Should You Correct, Redirect, or "Play Along"? 

When faced with time-shifting, caregivers often wonder whether to correct the individual or simply go along with their perception. Here are some strategies to consider: 

• Assess Their Emotional State: If the person seems distressed or anxious, redirecting may be the best approach. Bringing up a favorite memory or gently guiding the conversation to a positive topic can help. 

• Redirect with Positivity: Avoiding direct confrontation or correction can help prevent distress. Like using past memories to focus on something joyful or comforting can shift their attention and provide them with a sense of connection and calmness. 

• Validate Feelings, Not Facts: Often, acknowledging how they feel rather than trying to correct the facts is enough to ease their distress. For example, if they mention missing a loved one, saying, "I know how much you cared about them," can be reassuring without triggering confusion. 

Supporting Loved Ones with Compassion