Thinking out loud about dementia care, neurodivergence, and what it means to truly see the person in front of you.
Many people now living in care homes grew up before autism, ADHD, and sensory processing differences were widely understood. They adapted, masked, and coped, often without knowing why the world felt so difficult. Now, in care, their needs remain largely invisible.
Sensory processing differences don't disappear when someone develops dementia. If anything, they often become more pronounced. Here I explore what we know about the intersection of sensory processing and cognitive change.
Most dementia care interventions are built around sensory engagement: aromatherapy, tactile objects, music therapy. But for people who are neurodivergent, these approaches can cause distress rather than comfort. This post introduces the central question of my dissertation.
More posts are on the way as the research progresses.
This blog runs alongside a master's dissertation in dementia studies. New posts are published as findings emerge.