I don't know where I am and what obstacles I face

Not knowing where you are may be a sign of disorientation. Directional disorders are usually associated with abnormal spatial perception, impaired memory function, or neurological disorders, and are commonly seen in conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, traumatic brain injury, and schizophrenia.

1. Abnormal spatial perception

The parietal lobe of the brain is responsible for processing spatial information, and damage to this area can lead to errors in determining the location. Patients may not be able to recognize familiar landmarks or determine directions, but their language and memory functions are relatively normal. The spatial positioning ability can be improved through cognitive training, such as practicing map navigation or recognizing environmental markers.

2. Memory impairment

Hippocampal damage can interfere with the retrieval of episodic memory, resulting in forgetfulness of the current location. These patients often have difficulty with time orientation and may suddenly forget why they arrived at a certain place. It is recommended to provide daily support through memory aids such as location bracelets and electronic reminder devices.

3. State of confusion

During acute delirium, there may be a brief loss of orientation, which is commonly seen in metabolic disorders, infections, or drug poisoning. Patients may experience illusory location cognition, accompanied by decreased attention and incoherent thinking. Immediate investigation of physiological indicators such as abnormal body temperature and electrolyte imbalance is required.

4. Impact of psychiatric symptoms

Severe depression or schizophrenia may experience real-life disintegration, where patients can physically locate but subjectively feel unfamiliar with the environment. May be accompanied by positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, and intervention should be combined with antipsychotic drugs and psychological therapy. 5. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Lewy body dementia can lead to wave orientation disorders, and patients may suddenly lose themselves in familiar places. This condition is usually accompanied by a stepwise decline in visual spatial ability and requires neurological evaluation of dopaminergic system function.

It is recommended to conduct neuropsychological assessments when persistent orientation disorders occur, including screening tools such as simple mental state tests and clock drawing tests. In daily life, one can maintain a regular routine to avoid sleep deprivation and reduce complex environmental stimuli. If necessary, medication such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can be used under the guidance of professionals to improve cognitive function. Family members should assist in making identification cards with contact information to avoid accidents when patients go out alone.