Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Dementia Care

People living with dementia may have had a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed earlier in their lives. This helpsheet outlines what a PTSD is, treatments, and key tips for caring for a person with both dementi and PTSD.

Even when cognitive impairment is mild and a diagnosis of chronic PTSD or PTSD with delayed onset can be made, people with dementia may not have the ability to engage with cognitive therapy and the exposure component that is an intrinsic part of this.

Think about using:

• Behavioural techniques such as relaxation or activity programming 
• Reminiscence of positive times might be more helpful than talking about the trauma
• Enlist the assistance of family and friends to use and reinforce helpful strategies
• Adapt the environment to minimise or eliminate triggers for PTSD