This was originally published on 8/19/2020 and updated on 6/17/2025.
One of the elements that makes Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia so devastating is that they destroy the most important organ in our body: the brain. The brain is the control center for our body and plays a role in nearly every bodily function we have. This includes our senses and how they work, from perception to reaction.
Different parts of the brain are responsible for each of our senses, so the effects of Alzheimer’s can vary. If you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s, it’s important to become familiar with how Alzheimer’s disease affects the five senses. This comprehensive guide from our community for memory care in Illinois will help you understand the obstacles and challenges your senior loved one with Alzheimer’s may face.
Table of Contents
1. Sight
Although Alzheimer’s disease has no physical effects on our eyes, it impacts the ability of the brain to translate images that we see. This can cause confusion, disorientation and anxiety. It can also prevent someone from recognizing familiar people or places.
HOW TO HANDLE The EFFECTS OF ALZHEIMER’s ON sight
- Avoid using throw rugs in the house. Not only are they the cause of many trips and falls for seniors, but their color difference from the floor may give seniors with Alzheimer’s the perception of a hole in the ground. This can be disorienting and may make them fearful or confused.
- Create color contrast between floors and walls to create visual “depth.” This also helps to eliminate tripping hazards.
2. Smell
A loss of smell is a typical effect of Alzheimer’s disease. In most cases, this issue is often discovered even before an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Although a loss of smell alone does not indicate Alzheimer’s disease, it’s wise to consult a physician to confirm the source of the problem if your senior loved one has this symptom.
HOW TO HANDLE The EFFECTS OF ALZHEIMER’s ON Smell
- Install smoke detectors and check them frequently – your loved one may not be able to smell smoke, and a smoke detector can alert them to a fire.
- Keep refrigerators clear of spoiled food. Due to a lack of smell, seniors with Alzheimer’s may eat spoiled food and become ill.
- Remove or secure all items with toxic fumes.
3. Taste
As the effects of Alzheimer’s progress, the sensitivity of the taste buds can be dulled, which can lead to a loss of taste. This side effect can also cause your loved one to feel less hungry. To avoid severe weight loss or malnutrition, it’s important to help your loved one plan their favorite weekly meals, offer more frequent and smaller meals, and keep healthy snacks available.
A loss in taste may also increase the probability of your family member placing hazardous items in their mouths. It’s smart to remove dangerous chemicals and objects from the home to avoid this health hazard.
HOW TO HANDLE The EFFECTS OF ALZHEIMER’s ON taste
- Adjust prepared foods to compensate for lack of taste. Avoid adding extra salt or spices that might upset your loved one’s digestive system but look for healthy ways to make food more flavorful.
- Lock up all cleaning supplies and other toxic chemicals that produce fumes.
- Learn the Heimlich maneuver in case your loved one experiences choking.
4. Hearing
While an individual’s hearing is not usually impacted by Alzheimer’s disease, the ability to process sounds can be impaired. For example, the doorbell could ring and be heard but your loved one may not recognize or understand the sound. It merely becomes a random sound that can cause confusion and anxiety.
HOW TO HANDLE The EFFECTS OF ALZHEIMER’s ON Hearing
- Reduce the noise inside the home. If the television is on, don’t play music or turn on a radio to avoid conflicting noises.
- Be aware of noise outside the home. Find a secluded space in the home as a retreat for your loved one when outside noise can’t be controlled.
- Avoid large gatherings of people in the home.
5. Touch
Once a family member reaches a late stage of Alzheimer’s, their brain may not be able to interpret physical sensations. An individual with this side effect may not be able to distinguish between hot or cold and may not feel pain. Because this covers such a broad range of experiences and safety issues, our team at Terra Vista recommends removing dangerous objects from the house.
HOW TO HANDLE The EFFECTS OF ALZHEIMER’s ON Touch
- Set water heaters at 120 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid scalding.
- Color-code water faucet handles (for example, red for hot and blue for cold).
- Remove the knobs from the stove and place warning signs on the oven and other appliances that get hot.
- Remove all knives and sharp objects from the home. If the person injures themselves, they may not realize it. This could lead to excessive bleeding or untreated wounds that could become infected.
- Make sure that seasonally appropriate clothing is worn. Put extra blankets on your loved one’s bed during cold weather.
Let our Community for Memory Loss in Illinois Help Care for Your Loved One
As a caregiver, it’s important that you encourage the independence of your loved one. However, safety should be the number one priority, which is why it’s critical to understand the effects of Alzheimer’s on the senses. Understanding how this disease affects your loved one’s senses can help you make the right adjustments in their home and continue to refine these changes as their care needs evolve, and Terra Vista is here to help.
Terra Vista is proud to provide advanced, specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Our community for memory care in Illinois can help guide you through both an Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the subsequent progression of the disease, and we’re here to give you and your loved one the support you need. Give us a call at (630) 534-0886 – our skilled team is ready and waiting.
