(And What Does)

Yes, They Can Still Learn—Here’s How to Reach Them

Many people are surprised to hear this, but it’s true:

People with dementia can still learn.

They just learn differently.

Instead of learning through words and explanations, they learn through the senses, much like young children do. Some parts of the brain change, but sensory and emotional pathways often stay strong.

This means connection is still very possible.

Here are simple ways to work with this:

1. Watching:

Approach calmly and from the side.
Bring yourself to their level.
If you want help with a task, show them first. Demonstration works better than explaining.

2. Touch:

Gentle touch can bring comfort and safety.
Familiar objects can trigger muscle memory.
A well-known tool may guide the body even when words are hard.

3. Smell:

Smell is deeply tied to memory and emotion.
A familiar scent can bring comfort or joy in an instant.

4. Taste:

Food is emotional, it brings back memories.
Food often brings people together when words cannot.

5. Hearing

Music and rhythm often remain strong, even later in dementia.
This is why someone may sing when speech is difficult or move to music when walking feels hard.

The Truth

They may not remember your name.
But they will remember how you make them feel.

When we communicate in ways that feel safe, kind, and respectful, connection remains.

If learning how to connect in these moments matters to you, I share more insights like this through my newsletter – Save Our Sanity Society, a space created to support families walking this journey.

What to try with a loved one with dementia

(Remember, People With Dementia Can Still Learn)

Instead of…

• Giving long explanations
• Repeating instructions louder or faster
• Assuming they can’t learn anymore

Try this…

Add music, touch, or scent to support memory

Show the task instead of explaining it

Use familiar objects and routines

Why this helps:

The brain may struggle with words, but the senses still guide learning. When you teach through experience, connection and ability often remain.

Giving other resources to connect and have their loved ones still excel is an important mission to me. I believe knowledge is power. Here is a way to get more resources to be help your loved one, I’d love to invite you into our membership platform.

Your partner in care,
Shelley