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What Alzheimer’s Feels Like: a glimpse into the mental, physical, and emotional struggles of those living with Alzheimer’s, related dementias or mild cognitive impairment.

When you first learn about an Alzheimer’s or a related dementia diagnosis, it can feel abstract, something you’ve heard about, maybe read a little on, but still hard to truly understand. Anything that affects the brain can be difficult to grasp, especially a condition like Alzheimer’s, which presents differently in every individual. As the saying goes, “If you’ve met one person with Alzheimer’s, you’ve only met one person with Alzheimer’s.” In this blog we dive into what Alzheimer’s feels like to provide you with a better understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.

While we break down the different types of dementia, including signs, and symptoms, in our blog, Basics of Dementia: Types, Signs & Symptoms, this post offers something different: a closer look at what Alzheimer’s might physically feel like. We’ll explore how the disease affects the body and senses, and share how Northbridge’s Signature Program, Join My Journey, offers a powerful simulation of those experiences.

What Is Join My Journey?

Join My Journey is a virtual dementia experience hosted by trained memory care professionals in Northbridge communities. Participants wear specialized equipment, including headphones, vision-altering glasses, gloves, a nose clamp, and shoe inserts, to simulate the physical challenges someone with Alzheimer’s, dementia or mild cognitive impairment might face. They are then asked to complete everyday tasks and follow simple instructions.

This program is ideal for caregivers, first responders, family members, and anyone looking to better understand what it’s like to live with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It’s not just about empathy, it’s about awareness, patience, and meaningful connection.

Here’s a look at a few of the challenges a person with dementia may face daily:

🖐️ Dexterity Challenges

As we age, conditions like arthritis or neuropathy can impact dexterity. For someone with Alzheimer’s, these physical limitations can be especially frustrating.

Common struggles include:

• Using utensils
• Getting dressed or undressed
• Picking up small objects

👁️ Vision Impairment

Normal aging brings changes to vision, but cognitive decline can amplify these challenges.

What this might feel like:

• Decreased peripheral vision
• Poor color contrast perception
• A general darkening of visual field

😮‍💨 Breathing Difficulties

Age-related changes like narrowing nasal passages or lung function decline can affect breathing. When paired with panic or confusion—common in dementia—breathing becomes even more difficult.

Impacts may include:

• Inability to breathe through the nose
• Greater oxygen demand for brain function
• Shortness of breath and physical distress

🔊 Auditory and Processing Challenges

Age-related hearing loss and difficulty processing language are common. Add memory loss or cognitive decline, and communication becomes even harder.

Common auditory challenges:

• Trouble hearing clearly
• Difficulty processing spoken words
• Inability to participate meaningfully in conversations

Why Participate in Join My Journey?

While Alzheimer’s and dementia affect every individual differently, programs like Join My Journey help caregivers and families gain real insight into the physical and emotional frustrations many people with cognitive impairment face. Simple tasks become overwhelming. Sensory overload leads to withdrawal or confusion. And physical challenges can often lead to emotional reactions that caregivers might not immediately understand.

By simulating just a small part of that experience, Join My Journey offers a deeper sense of empathy, understanding, and patience for those who interact with and care for people living with dementia.

Interested in Experiencing Join My Journey?

Our Join My Journey virtual dementia experience is guided by trained engagement professionals at Northbridge communities. We strongly advise not to attempt this simulation on your own.

If you’re a caregiver, family member, or professional interested in learning more about the program or participating in an upcoming session, click here to book a Join My Journey experience.

We hope this blog provided a unique perspective on what Alzheimer’s might feel like—and why certain behaviors may emerge. With compassion and understanding, we can all become better partners in care.

Northbridge’s Join My Journey Virtual Dementia Experience is developed by Northbridge Companies Vice President of Resident Engagement and Memory Care Services, Kelly McCarthy.