Episode 6: Waking Up Confused and Scared? How to Handle Alzheimer’s Disorientation With Calm and Confidence.

Send us Fan MailEver wake up and wonder where you are — or even who you are — for a few disorienting minutes? For those living with Alzheimer’s, that confusion can be a daily, unsettling experience. But it doesn’t have to lead to panic. In this insightful episode, Janna and Larry open up about Janna’s experiences with disorientation after waking, and how she’s learned to respond with calm, patience, and mindfulness. They also explore practical tips for navigating the fear of getting lost and the importance of creating safe, familiar routines. You'll discover: How Janna reframed disorientation as a moment of pause, not panic Simple grounding habits that support safer walking and movement Why rushing to help might hurt — and how to empower instead The emotional growth and empathy that can come from slowing down Whether you’re facing these challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode brings wisdom, humor, and hope — straight from lived experience. Links related to disorientation: Spatial Disorientation & Getting Lost   https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/aging-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnagi.2020.550514/fullGPS Tracking Study of Outdoor Movement https://aging.jmir.org/2022/2/e28222Disorientation upon waking in Alzheimer’s is rooted in disrupted sleep-wake cycles, delayed cognitive processing, sensory factors, and sometimes physical causes. Helping involves setting up familiar, gradual morning cues: lighting, digital clocks, comforting reminders, and slow transitions. Over time, these steps can ease confusion and make mornings calmer. If it's causing distress or you notice additional symptoms (like persistent dizziness), it's wise to discuss this with a healthcare provider to rule out other issues or consider supportive treatments. Be sure to go to our website at alzheimersthriver.org to learn more about Larry and Janna's adventures.