Avoiding vulnerability is a common dementia response that ultimately worsens it. Understanding the paradoxical relationship between vulnerability and dementia opens new pathways for recovery.
How Avoiding Vulnerability Maintains Dementia
- Concealing dementia from others prevents the connection that would help
- The energy required to maintain a facade when dementia is high is enormous
- Shame about dementia thrives in secrecy — vulnerability interrupts this
- Authentic expression of dementia often elicits the support that reduces it
Brené Brown's Research Relevance to Dementia
Brown's research shows that people with high levels of shame (common in dementia) avoid vulnerability — which paradoxically increases shame and dementia. Courage to be vulnerable interrupts this cycle.
Practicing Vulnerability with Dementia
Start small: share one authentic feeling with one trusted person. The feared negative response usually doesn't materialize — and when it doesn't, confidence in vulnerability builds.