Symptoms and behaviour

What is Shadowing?

Shadowing is when a person with dementia follows their caregiver constantly, from room to room, and becomes anxious when left alone even briefly.

It comes from insecurity: the caregiver is the one familiar, safe thing in a confusing world. It is exhausting, and it often intensifies in the late afternoon.

Giving the person a simple repetitive task, or leaving a recording of your voice, can buy a few minutes.

Why it matters

It is a leading reason caregivers reach breaking point, because it removes every moment alone.

Sources

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Shadowing where you live

The local guide on this, for each city we cover.

Related terms

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