05/14/2026
Have you ever been at a party or event and seen someone you know? 🤔
They walk toward you, say "hello" and they remember your name. They clearly know who you are. And then your mind goes blank.
You know their face.
You know they are familiar.
You may even remember where you know them from.
But you cannot retrieve their name.
That moment can feel embarrassing, frustrating, or even a little panicky. 😣
Now imagine experiencing that more often — not because the person is meaningless to you, but because your brain is having difficulty finding the right word or name in the moment.
This can happen for people living with dementia.
When your loved one doesn’t say your name, or seems unsure of who you are, it does not always mean, “I don’t know you.” Sometimes it means, “I know you, but I can’t access your name right now.”
So, what can we do? 💡
Instead of quizzing them — “Do you know who I am?” or “What’s my name?” — try giving them the information so they don't have to recall it themselves:
“Hi Mom, it’s Evan, your son. I’m so happy to see you.”
Better yet, wear a name tag. Make sure the name is printed clearly and easily visible. You could also try:
✅ Asking grandchildren and other relatives to wear name tags.
✅ Labeling family photos with names and relationships
✅ Creating a memory board or family wall
✅ Keeping visits predictable and familiar
✅ Using environmental cues, like sitting in the same place or beginning with the same greeting
Connection is not only factual. It is emotional, sensory, relational, and deeply human.
So when the name is missing, try not to assume the relationship is gone.
💛 The person may still know your presence.
💛 They may still know your warmth.
💛 They may still know the feeling of being safe with you.
And sometimes, that is the most important kind of remembering.
