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How to offer help to someone with dementia who doesn’t want it

Do you know a person with dementia or memory problems who is refusing offers of help? Here are a few ways to support someone who may be in denial or lack insight about their situation.

It is common for someone living with dementia to deny that they are experiencing issues with their memory or other aspects of cognition, such as having difficulty holding conversations or carrying out daily living tasks.

This could be due to denial or lack of insight. Similar to denial, lack of insight means that a person with dementia is unable to recognise changes in their behaviour and personality.

Continued denial can cause problems in the person's future. For example:

  • they may refuse to accept help 
  • there could be delays in starting or stopping medication
  • they may continue to drive despite it not being safe for them to do so.

Offering help to someone with memory problems who may be in denial

Someone living with memory issues may deny that they’re experiencing problems. This can be frustrating, especially if you’ve been encouraging them to visit their GP for a memory test.

Denial may reflect that the person is feeling fearful and needs time to accept what is happening.

It is possible that they have some awareness of their cognitive issues and may be feeling uneasy or anxious about this. They may also be fearful about the future.

They may feel – or think that other people may feel – a stigma about having a diagnosis of dementia.

Here are some ideas to consider when talking to someone about your worries. 

  • Broach the topic gently. It may help to remind them that memory issues don’t always point towards dementia.
  • Be kind and supportive during the conversation. Listen to their reasons and any fears they raise.
  • Let them know that you’re worried about them. Give examples of issues like missing appointments, misplacing items, forgetting names.
  • Break down the larger issue into smaller ones. Pick one to focus on, such as, ‘I’ve noticed you’ve been forgetting names of friends. Maybe the GP will be able to help.’
  • Keep a diary of events. This will help you show someone you’re worried about that you have ‘evidence’ for your worries. The diary will also support you both if you see a doctor as they may want to see a record of issues.
  • Turn the focus towards getting support for their friends and family. For example, ‘If you visit the GP, we might be able to get extra help that would give me a break...’

If their denial of the issue(s) continues, this may further delay receiving an official diagnosis. 

Offering help to someone with dementia who denies their diagnosis

Receiving a dementia diagnosis can be a daunting experience.

The person who has been diagnosed may feel a range of emotions, from sadness to disbelief to denial.

When you talk to someone about their diagnosis and how they’re feeling, try to stay calm. This may help calm them down, too.

Denial can be beneficial, as it can give someone time to process news and how they feel about it.

Giving the person time and space to think about their diagnosis and how they feel about it is a good way of approaching the situation.

If they continue to deny their diagnosis, you might start to feel frustrated or unable to help.

There are a few things you can do to support someone who is in denial about their dementia diagnosis or refusing to accept help.

  • Keep a diary of events – examples of issues, dates, times, locations – and what happened. This record can support you in approaching the person diagnosed with dementia, if it feels appropriate. You can use it to show them you care and are concerned for them.
  • Find out more about local support groups and therapies. Attending these may help the person come to terms with their diagnosis. Talking and art therapies are popular choices.
  • Try to stay calm when talking about your concerns. Getting angry or upset can make conversations uncomfortable for everyone involved. The person you’re worried about may be more hesitant to talk to you in the future.

It's important to try talking to the person you're worried about and to encourage them to see a doctor themselves.

Where this doesn’t work, you might consider speaking to the person’s doctor yourself. If doing so, it is best to get the person’s consent, or at least inform them that you are going to speak to their doctor. It will then be for the doctor to decide whether they disclose the information to the person.

Tips for supporting someone with memory loss

Get practical tips and advice on how you can support someone who is experiencing memory loss

Learn more

If you have a question about dementia, call our helpline to speak with our expert advisers, or join Dementia Talking Point to chat with other people in your situation.

Dementia Support Line
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225 comments

My mums 70 I’ve had her put in hospital under the mental health act against her will. I noticed issues about 7/8 years ago she started being very rude to people and blunt I often had to apologise to people.she then threw out all her photographs and I couldn’t understand why until I took some to her and she couldn’t tell me who they were even herself! Most recently we noticed she repeats her words and has almost pre recorded answers to things that could be accepted for most questions! She then started ringing saying things had broken but when I went to check they were fine I think she’d just forgotten how to use them! She had forgotten what many things are such as snow,fireworks sneezes etc she was giving cash to strangers on the street meeting men off the internet and letting them in her home! I became very worried and sought help they decided she was putting herself at too much risk and is currently being assessed against her will she rings me every day swearing at me demanding that I get her out she doesn’t understand we’re trying to help how can I deal with this every day I feel so guilty

Jen, we're really sorry to hear about your mum - it sounds like a very difficult situation to be in. Please know that you aren't alone and we are here for you. 

We'd recommend calling our support line on 0333 150 3456 to talk about this with one of our trained dementia advisers. They will listen to you and provide advice and support. You can find more details about the support line (including opening hours and other methods of contact) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line

You may also find it helpful to join our online community, Talking Point. Here, carers and other people affected by dementia share their experiences and offer advice to others going through similar situations. You can browse topics within the community or sign up to join the conversation: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk It’s open day or night and free to use.

We hope this helps for now, Jen. Please do call our support line if you need to.

My mother in law is 73 years old and was diagnosed with dementia (early stages) in 2019 after the birth or my first son. We live with her and had another baby earlier in 2022. We are struggling with young children and my mother in law is in denial about her dementia and has turned inwards. Other than going for a daily walk she is not interested in meeting people or socialising. She doesn't have any friends and I think she also has leaning difficulties. She is in denial that she cannot do things but often struggles and gets frustrated when we need to help. This has been made worse by COVID. This is putting a huge strain on our marriage as we can get help from my mother, but my mother seems to be a trigger for her mood swings. She also wants to be in the centre of everything we do. I am struggling and could do with some advice on how to support her and ourselves. She has also become moody with our 4 year old and he doesn't understand and I don't feel he is safe around her.

Thanks for your comment, Nehal. This sounds like a really difficult situation for you and your family.

We'd recommend calling our support line on 0333 150 3456. You can speak to one of our trained dementia advisers who provide information, advice and support relevant to your situation. More details about the support line (including opening hours) and other support services are available here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line.

You may also find it helpful to read our information on dementia and changes in a person's behaviour: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/behaviour-changes.

It might also be useful to have a look at our carers guide. You can download a copy as a pdf or order a physical copy for free: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-factsheets/caring-person-dementia-practical-guide.

We hope this helps.

Alzheimer's Society blog team

My mother's husband recently passed and we moved her in with us. We have 9-year-old twin boys and she is 80. Our stories are mostly identical. If you'd like to talk...... I would? This is very new for us and I have lots of questions......... Especially about the center of everything part
I am at the end of my rope my 82 year old father has been diagnosed with dementia about 4 years ago now he doesn’t listen to me doesn’t wake up to take his pills can’t hear good can’t see good breathing has become worse and his seizures he has just got out of the hospital and is even worse they never said anything to me just that he is ready to go home. I have given up my life and moved in with him about 4 years ago and I am truly not copying at this stage but he will definitely not go into a home he told me he just won’t do nothing I have to work to so I work 6-2 everyday luckily he is up all night and sleeps all day which helps a lot I know he is safe during the day when I am gone but what else can I do please help my own health is also not good

Lynn, we're very sorry to hear about your father - it sounds like such a difficult situation to be in. Please know that you aren't alone and we are here for you.

We'd strongly recommend calling our support line on 0333 150 3456 to speak with one of our trained dementia advisers. They will listen to you and provide specific advice and support to help you. You can find more details about the support line (including opening hours and other methods of contact) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line

We hope this helps for now, Lynn. Please do call our support line.

Alzheimer's Society blog team

I'm currently struggling with my dad who has a (provisional) diagnosis of vascular dementia. He was given it on discharge from hospital and the care after has been very poor with referrals not made and appointments cancelled, meaning he's yet to see a professional 6 weeks later to confirm it. My dad feels very hurt about this and is reverting to a lifestyle that is very unhealthy for dementia (or just generally) where he rarely leaves the house and doesn't socialise or get any exercise. It's like he doesn't really care that he's going to get worse and wants someone else to fix him. It's very difficult for me and my mom as he's generally disinterested and unwilling to do anything to help himself. He also won't consider power of attorney or moving closer to me so I can help more

Hi Mark,

We're really sorry to hear about your dad, it sounds like you and your family are going through a difficult time.

Please know that you can call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. One of our trained dementia advisers can listen to you and can offer advice, support and information specific to your dad's situation. More details about the support line (including opening hours) are available here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line.

We hope this helps.

I suspect my mother has some form of dementia. Her short term memory loss is very poor - about facts and experiences e.g. she will forget that we went to a concert last night; and certainly forgets questions that she has asked. She also is having quite erratic mood swings - getting angry and upset about quite trivial things. I don't know how to even broach the subject of going to see a doctor without her having a 'tantrum' - because that's how they often are.

Hi Gillian,

I'm sorry to hear about your concerns for your mother,

We have some advice on talking to someone about their memory problems that you might find useful: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/tal…

If you are based in the UK you can call our support line on 0333 150 3456 to speak with one of our trained dementia advisers. They can listen to your situation and provide specific information and advice. 

I hope this is helpful

Alzheimer's Society blog team

Hello my mum has been diagnosed with dementia and we eventually just met with her appointed care manager a few days ago . Up until now i have been doing all the care and gave up work to be there and to do so a year ago . My mum reluctantly agreed at the meeting to carers coming in twice a day ; at lunch time and late afternoon to give me a break but since then is she is refusing to accept this . I do all her shopping , banking , meals etc . she is very difficult about food and eats very little and it is a constant battle every day to get her to eat . I am finding it very difficult to cope as an only child and she is also test book narcisist so there are many things from our relationship that I question why should I get so upset and worry so much . i live very close to her and see her 3/4 times a day and feel my own family are suffering and also it is so hard for them to watch me dealing with the constant stress etc

Hello Sherida, thank you for sharing your experience, I'm sorry to hear about your Mum's diagnosis.

If you are based in the UK, we'd recommend speaking with one of our dementia advisers. They will listen to your situation and provide you with advice and support.

You can call our support line on 0333 150 3456. 

You might also benefit from joining our online community. Talking Point is the ideal place for carers and other people affected by dementia to share their personal experiences, and offer advice and support to others going through similar situations. You can browse the conversations within the community or sign up for free: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society website team

Hi, my father has been experiencing memory loss for a few years and this is getting progressively worse. He refuses to go to the doctors as he says it's just old age; we've been trying for years. GP will not get involved as he is in denial and in the meantime his symptons (or what I think are symptons) are worsening; aggression, mood swings, inability to remember simple words in a sentence - like food or shower and will sit for hours staring at a turned off tv or his hands, cannot deal with ay unexpected change where the response is not what he thought (gets aggressive with this. Any help and advice would be gratefully received!

Hi there,

We're sorry to hear about your father, it sounds like you're going through a difficult time.

We have some advice on talking to someone about their memory problems that you might find useful: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/tal…

Alternatively, you might benefit from joining our online community, Talking Point. Here, you can get advice and support from people affected by dementia who have often been through similar situations. You can browse the conversations within the community or sign up for free: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk

Also, please know that you can always call our support line on 0333 150 3456 to speak with one of our trained dementia advisers. They can listen to your situation and provide specific information and advice. You can find more details about the support line (including opening hours) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line

We hope this helps for now - and remember to call the support line on 0333 150 3456 if you need someone to talk to.

Alzheimer's Society blog team

My husband of 55 years will not accept that anything is wrong and we are 5 years on the journey an advert came on television a person who had Alzheimer’s my husband said it must be awful for people who have it. He would not go to the doctors I went to see our doctor and he made an appointment for my husband telling him he needed a scan as he was having headaches which he had. The result he had Alzheimer’s he said to the doctor you are talking rubbish I am perfectly ok.He is still saying he’s ok but does not know where to find a cup in the kitchen and other things I have not asked for any help as he would say he’s ok .I really understand your situation but when they are in denial it is so hard to move forward I do hope you can very soon

Thanks for your comment, Joyce. This sounds like a really difficult situation.

We'd recommend calling our support line on 0333 150 3456. You can speak to one of our trained dementia advisers who provide information, advice and support relevant to you. More details about the support line (including opening hours) and other support services are available here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line

You may also benefit from joining our online community, Talking Point. Here, carers and other people affected by dementia share their experiences, and offer advice and support to those in similar situations. You can browse the conversations within the community or sign up for free: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk

We hope this helps for now, Joyce. Please do call our support line if you need to.

Alzheimer's Society blog team

My father is in denial as well. He too, can not remember simple words like towel and other simple ones. He thanked me for helping him with their trees one day. I helped them move some things into their new apartment. No trees were involved. But I smiled and said,"You're welcome dad.". He is running my elderly mother into the ground with demands. He refuses to get a PCA (Personal Care Attendant). My mom is in her late 70's. He is making her sick because he is constantly barking orders at her. She has migraines all the time now because he stresses her out. He refused the driving test she scheduled for him to take that his doctor asked him to do. He has upset my siblings so much with his behaviors that neither of them have anything to do with him. I don't know what more to do. My mom is going to have a heart attack if she doesn't get him to agree to getting some help.

Hi there,

We're very sorry to hear about your father, it sounds like you and your family are going through a difficult time.

We'd recommend calling our support line on 0333 150 3456 to speak with one of our trained dementia advisers. They will listen to you and provide specific information, advice and support that's relevant to your family's situation. You can find more details about the support line (including opening hours) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line 

We hope this helps for now.

Alzheimer's Society blog team

Very healthy active father-in-law with early dementia, but lacks insight into his condition he will not seek out food if hungry and will wear the same clothes to bed and not bath or change even though perfectly abled bodied, even if you leave prepared food or bath water.
Other than this you would never know he had dementia, just by talking to him, he is a pleasant fellow otherwise.

Any ideas ?

Hi Dawn,

Thanks for your comment, and sorry to hear about your father in law.

We have some pages on our website about denial and lack of insight that you may find helpful: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/understand…

We also have information on some of the other things you've mentioned such as eating and drinking, getting dressed and washing and bathing. If you've not seen it already, you might want to have a look at our full list of publications which are listed here and free to order: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-factsheets/full-…

If you'd prefer to talk to someone about your father-in-law, you can also call our Dementia Connect support line 0333 150 3456. One of our dementia advisers will listen to you and learn more about your situation, then give tailored information, advice and support. You can find out more about the support line (including opening hours) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line

I hope this is helpful, Dawn.

Alzheimer's Society web team

I recently began caregiving a lady with Alzheimer's dementia. Daily she says she doesn't know me, cries and demands I get out of her house. The family hired me to stay with her to give her husband a break and just to help. Any suggestions on how I should respond to her? Thank you.

My mother in law has health problems and early dementia. She is staying with us right now and I have been helping her. She came here after a recent hospital stay that seemed to speed up the dementia symptoms we had been starting to see. She repeats herself, doesn't always remember to eat or change her clothes, and gets confused. She does remember some things but very sporadic and repeats herself all the time and doesn't know it. However she is insisting she wants to go home. Neurologist has said she should stay where she is until she has some tests and sees them again. But she is adamant she is going home. We have power of attorney but not guardianship. It would be unsafe for her to go home, but she can be nasty and stubborn (worse now with dementia). She believes she will get better and no matter what we tell her she believes dementia is associated with falling and she hasn't had any more "episodes.". We are at a loss and no idea what to do. We know if she goes home to her condo it will result in her probably going back to the hospital. We have suggested assisted living which would be best for her but she wants nothing to do with that. She doesn't care what her doctors say, she wants to go home and she is 75 and should be allowed to do so. Any advice on what we should do?? This is so stressful.

Hi Ginger,

We're sorry to hear this - it sounds like a really difficult time for you and your family.

If you are based in the UK, we recommend speaking with one of our dementia advisers to discuss the situation. They will be best placed to provide you with advice and support. Please call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. (More information on opening times: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-connect-support-line)

If you're based in the US, please contact the Alzheimer's Association helpline: https://alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline

Or if you're based in Canada, please contact the Alzheimer's Society of Canada helpline: https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/ContactUs

Wishing you all the best,
Alzheimer's Society blog team

Just had a conversation with my husband about dinner. He said it needed soy sauce. I asked him if he had gotten the soy sauce out. He said no soy I went to get it out of the cabinet. It was not their. I asked again about the soy sauce and he denied that I asked him that., instead insisted that I asked about bowls. My teenage son was standing next to him and heard the whole conversation. Then my husband accused me of using word games to confuse him. I have been in the care giving business for most of my life I don’t play games like that. He has taken me off the list to speak to his doctors. His reason is because I lie about him, I am mean and hateful. I won’t even list the awful things he says to me. With out his convent I can not do anything but my son and I can’t take much more of this. I am going to start recording every conversation maybe I will get someone to believe me and I can get the help he needs.

I am so sorry that you are struggling like this. Please do remember that even if your husband has removed the authorisation for you to speak to his Dr about him, that only covers what the Dr can tell you. It doesn’t cover what you can tell the Dr. So you could write to the Dr giving your concerns with examples of unusual behaviour. You should also make an appointment with your Dr to discuss how you are feeling - rundown, tired, unable to cope with the changes etc, as this will also help. They can then speak to him when he next goes in (they can call him for a check up) to see whether or not he needs to have an assessment.
Please also remember that whilst your husband may be being nasty to you it is not necessarily his intention to be. It’s a fairly normal behaviour for someone whose mind is changing and it could either be that that part has changed or that they truly do not remember things which happen, or that they are so frightened about those changes they deny things. You may feel alone but I promise you are not. This is a common part of the dementia process and you need support from others around you and the medical profession for a diagnosis.
It’s not an easy journey and I wish you well in your next steps and beyond. One thing at a time though.,

I'm happy that this exist for people that is struggling for families or our love ones who are going through this! My husband has been diagnosis with early stages of dementia, after the doctor told us, he never brought it up again until the doctor called to schedule another nuro appointment. Then my husband said to me; that he don't want to go to that appointment or take medication of any kind for his brain. All I can do is being here for my husband throughout the process an also mention to what he said with his healthcare Provider.

My mum was diagnosed with vascular dementia almost 2 years ago. She has never believed in taking medication., she thinks that taking coconut oil , krill oil and drinking water are going to help her. She is in denial. Says she is taking her medication but 90% of the time is throwing it away. She is very aggressive and controlling and she sees a member of her family every day for several hours at a time but it is never enough.
Don’t know what way to turn now. If we suggest anything… I’m not ready for that. Or I’m not old, don’t put me in that category

My mother in law refuses all and any help. She is verbally aggressive and gets very angry. She lies to all her children and her forgetfulness is very bad so know one knows the truth or what is going on with her. She refused to wear her personal alarm and never leaves the house. We are all at our wits end and not sure what to do.

Hello Sue,

We're sorry to hear your mother-in-law is refusing help and behaving aggressively.

We have some information on our website about aggressive behaviour that you may find helpful: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/sym…

You can also talk to one of our dementia advisers if you need support. Please call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. Some more details about the support line (including opening hours) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line

We hope this helps, Sue.

Alzheimer's Society website team

My father has been living with us for over six years now, because he had been leaving the gas on (lit and unlit) so we decided it may be time to have him with us. He continued to do this even in his new home and with the change to electric hob the danger was no longer there, even though it was a fight, he does not like change as do any older people.
He praises the new hob, especially because of the safety measures it provides, such as turning itself off. My husband and I want him to remain independent with daily tasks as making breakfast but this was a challenge because he had the mental disposition that he was owed the service and sat waiting for it all to be done for him, eventually after much diplomacy he gave in with much huffing and defiance to making his own breakfast.
We have now after 6 years had many personality issues with him, myself and my husband are mild tempered and struggle with confrontation, but without fail we have had to deal with the atmosphere of a dominant Man, proud and despises any criticism, denial of anything, from dirty shoes, poo on everything to erratic driving. He has a very clever answer to everything, how can I win? I don't argue I reason.
But how do you reason with an unreasonable person....
He is confused about many things, but if it interests him he focuses.
I've left many areas of concern out, including hygiene, driving issues such as righting of a car, incurring speed ticket, being reminded and stopped by police for not wearing a seat belt, not locking front door and even leaving the keys in the front door, sometimes the door left open., leaving taps running... The list goes on.
My main worry is what do I do when he won't comply and thinks he is fine, he even tells friends all his woes but obviously one sided. I would never say to his friends how he is because he has his dignity... I do not want to take this away or build any barriers. He does not want further tests for dementia and he insists on continuing to drive, assuring me he is driving better than ever.
Is anyone else experiencing this, are you living with your parent/parents with this problem.
I really don't know how to tell someone with efficiency who has short term memory loss, without causing more anxiety.

Hi Veronica - thanks for getting in touch.

It sounds like you'd benefit from speaking with others who have been or are currently in similar situations. Within our online community, Talking Point, carers and other people affected by dementia share experiences, advice and offer support. You can browse the community without registering, or sign up to become a member: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/
It's free to use, and open day or night.

In the meantime, we have some information on practical tips for supporting someone with memory loss, which you may find helpful: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/sym…

We also have guidance on making decisions and managing difficult situations, including around driving: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/daily-living/making-decisions…

These pages offer general advice, but you can also speak with a dementia adviser about your father's situation by calling our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. Find more details about the support line, including opening hours, here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line

We hope this is helpful, Veronica.

Alzheimer's Society blog team

I really empathise with your situation. I'm currently living with my mum, who refuses point blank to accept that something has changed. I hear her talk to her dead dog about how confused she is, and she's not sure what is going on. But, if I dare say anything she becomes aggressive and hostile. I am here to help but she is constantly rejecting any attempt to assist her. She can't really cook anymore but insists on doing it, along with everything else. We have never talked in our family. My brother is in London and my sister has opened her dream flower shop. I'm happy for them but I do everything, including the stress of seeing mum change. I don't know how much more I can take. I love her and want to help but she has destroyed my friendships, relationships and takes away all my independence. The house next door is available to rent, and I think it would be a sensible move. It would give me space, but I'd be here to help. She has actually forbidden this..... I'm 52! I don't think she wants me to have a separate life and my siblings are happy to get on with their lives and leave me with the stress. I am at my wits end. I just want her to have a diagnosis so we can move forward. However, her best friend died from dementia and she used to be a nurse, so I can't believe she doesn't know but assume that it's fear that guides her. I don't know what to do. I've done everything suggested.

Hi I am the carer for my husband - he has just had the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s 6weeks ago- we have been chasing this for over 2 years - we thought it would be vascular dementia because if his issues from diabetes but it’s not and is Alzheimer’s
My question is please - he has reached the stage where he doesn’t go out, can’t do the simplest of tasks, forgets to wash. Personal hygiene etc - but is refusing any help - giving excuses , plausible answers and saying I am constantly criticising him - I try desperately hard to keep a happy tone of voice but my daughter is saying I am critical -
The only food he makes himself is croissants - looses track of time
How can I encourage him to accept help more graciously ? And us not get into a fight (disagreement) all the time ?
Many thanks fir all help x