What is show timing in dementia?
When someone you love is living with dementia, it can be incredibly upsetting to see the changes in their memory, behaviour, and ability to manage daily life. What makes things even more difficult is when that same person suddenly appears clear, articulate, and lucid - particularly when in front of doctors, carers, visitors or other medical staff. This phenomenon is known as “show timing”.
Show timing can be worrying and confusing for family members who see the more challenging side of dementia every day. Understanding what it is, why it can happen, and how to respond can make all the difference when seeking the right level of support.
What is show timing?
Show timing is a term used to describe the temporary ability of a person living with dementia to ‘put on an act’ in front of others, often appearing far more capable than they really are in front of family members caring for them daily. It can happen during medical appointments, family gatherings, or in any setting where the person may feel the need to mask their symptoms or make a good impression.
During show timing, someone living with dementia may speak more fluently, follow conversations better, or appear socially ‘switched on’. However, this improvement is often short-lived, lasting 15-20 minutes and doesn’t reflect their true day-to-day cognitive function, which is why it can be so disheartening for daily carers to witness.
Why does show timing happen?
There are a few reasons why someone with dementia might show time:
Self-preservation: The individual may sense that something is wrong and instinctively try to hide their difficulties. This can be a deeply ingrained response to protect their dignity.
Social awareness: People living with dementia often retain social niceties and conversation allowing them to engage in surface level interaction even as their memory or reasoning skills decline.
Stimulation and adrenaline: New environments or unfamiliar visitors can temporarily boost alertness and focus. The person may ‘rall’ for a short time before experiencing confusion or exhaustion later on.
Show timing is more common in the earlier stages of dementia when a person still has insight into their condition. As the condition progresses, it usually becomes harder for them to mask their symptoms.
How can show timing affect dementia diagnosis?
Show timing has the potential to delay or complicate a formal dementia diagnosis. It may cause healthcare professionals to underestimate the severity of symptoms as described by a loved one, especially during short assessments or consultations.
This can lead to upset for those closest to the individual, especially when the day-to-day reality at home is very different to what professionals are seeing during appointments.
Medical professionals are becoming much more knowledgeable on dementia and the way it can present itself. However, in early appointments, especially when an individual may see a different doctor on each visit, it can still be difficult to see past the ‘show timing’. Persistence here is key to getting concerns heard, and also highlights why it's important for families to document evidence of the changes they are seeing.
What to do if your loved one shows signs of show timing
If you suspect your loved one is show timing, there are things you can do to make sure that your concerns are addressed, and that they receive the right diagnosis and care:
1. Keep a behaviour log
You can start to record behaviours, confusion, mood changes, memory lapses, and safety concerns in a journal or online document. Be as specific as possible, noting time of day, frequency, and what triggered or followed the behaviour. This log can be a valuable tool for GPs or memory clinic teams when assessing symptoms.
2. Remain calm and patient
It’s natural to feel frustrated or deflated when your concerns don’t appear to be taken seriously, but try not to direct this frustration towards your loved one. Remember, this isn’t a deliberate act on their behalf, it's a sign of subdued anxiety and confusion. Maintaining a calm, reassurance presence can help them feel more secure.
3. Seek support and a second opinion if needed
Don’t be afraid to speak up or request a follow-up assessment. If you feel your concerns aren’t being acknowledged, ask for a referral to a memory clinic or specialist dementia team.
Talk to us today
Give us a call to discuss your needs with one of our friendly, expert Care Advisors. They will guide you through your options to ensure you make the right choice for you and your family.
How Consultus Care and Nursing can help - live-in dementia care
At Consultus Care, we’ve been providing compassionate, highly-skilled live-in care and nursing care at home for over 60 years, helping people across the country to live safely, independently and happily in their own homes. We believe life is better at home, granting more people the freedom to make their own choices and live life their way.
We understand how complex and emotionally challenging dementia can be, for both the person living with the condition and the family supporting them. Our live-in dementia care service provides one-to-one, compassionate support in the comfort of home, tailored to routines, preferences, and the ever-changing nature of the condition.
Our carers receive award-winning training and are experienced in managing memory loss, confusion, and communication difficulties, while offering the emotional support that’s so vital for those living with dementia.
If you’re navigating a dementia diagnosis, or suspect your loved one may be show timing, we can help. Call us on 01732 496715 or enquire online today.
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