Lewy Body Dementia Word for 10-14: Emotions

Emotions drive behavior.

• Emotions remain after abstract thinking fades. A person will respond to the first emotion they experience during an event.
• Negative emotions are motivators. They are stressful, strong and intense. Their job is to drive you away from a perceived danger or discomfort.
• Positive emotions are comforters. They are centering, calming and relaxing. Their job is to encourage us to stay in a comfortable space.
• The first emotion experienced is often residual, left over from an earlier event. Residual emotions are usually negative; they are stronger and last longer.

Make care partnering easier by avoiding negative emotions and promoting positive ones.

For more information about Lewy body disorders, read our books:
A Caregivers’ Guide to Lewy Body Dementia
Managing Cognitive Issues in Parkinson's and Lewy Body Dementia

Helen and James Whitworth are not doctors, lawyers or social workers. As informed caregivers, they share the information here for educational purposes only. It should never be used instead of a professional's advice.