FEATURES Who Is That Stranger in the Mirror? The Mirror Experience for Elderly Patients With Dementia ■ June R. Kelsick, MSN ■ Wyona M. Freysteinson, PhD, MN Use of the mirror is an everyday phenomenon for most individuals. There seems to be limited evidence-based studies that address mirror viewing and the appropriate use of mirrors for patients with dementia. Using a case study, the purpose of this study is to begin a dialogue with the nursing community on practical nursing interventions and the need for research in this area. KEY WORDS: Alzheimer’s, dementia, mirrors, nursing practice Holist Nurs Pract 2013;27(5):268–272 CASE STUDY Rose was a delightful woman who enjoyed every aspect of her life. She was a matriarch, wife, grandmother, great grandmother, stepmother, sister, and aunt. She was a meticulous homemaker and took great pride in gardening. Rose was also a great cook and enjoyed working in her flower garden. Children, neighbors, and friends would seize any opportunity to enjoy her delicious meals and would flock to get a taste of Rose’s food. At the age of 76 years, Rose was diagnosed with Parkinson disease and at the age of 80 years, she was diagnosed with dementia, more specifically, Alzheimer disease (AD). Before her diagnosis, Rose was an active person who was full of life and loved her independence. She was able to meet her everyday needs and responsibilities in caring for herself, and took extreme pride in her personal appearance. In the prediagnosis phase, Rose ensured that not only did she look her best but also that her family looked their best. Her motto was—never leave the house without taking a good look in the mirror. It seems as if there were mirrors everywhere in the house. There were mirrors in the bathroom, living room, and at the entrance of Author Affiliation: Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Texas Woman’s University, Houston, Texas. The authors have disclosed that they have no significant relationships with, or financial interest in, any commercial companies pertaining to this article. Correspondence: June R. Kelsick, MSN, Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Texas Woman’s University, 6700, Fannin St, Houston, TX (jkelsick@twu.edu). DOI: 10.1097/HNP.0b013e31829b924a the door. There were 3 full-length mirrors, and small face mirrors were available for personal use. Although her children were grown and were away from home, she remained active in raising and assisting with her grandchildren, great grandchildren, family members, and friends who were unable to care for themselves. She was an active member of her church and enjoyed performing community services. The deterioration of Rose’s mental state seemed to have slowly eroded over 6 years and was similar to the slow erosion of a seashore. The insidious forgetfulness would often lead to frustration, agitation, and depression, which is often seen in patients with Parkinson disease and dementia. In addition, periods of delusions, hallucination, and paranoia crept seamlessly into the most rationale and sound being that everyone knew as the most amazing woman who lived on the face of the earth. During a typical morning routine, as she walked past a full-length mirror, she stopped for a moment and stared at the reflection in the mirror. Rose rattled out a series of questions: “Why is this man staring at me? Why do you have your man staring at me? Can you ask him to stop looking at me? Did you ask him to come here and live with us?” Several attempts to interject and orient her to the present environment were unsuccessful. She was gently moved away from the mirror, toward the direction of the bathroom. Her morning routine of bathing and oral care started. Rose viewed herself in the half-length bathroom mirror while brushing her teeth. However, Rose showed no signs of agitation when she looked in the half-length bathroom mirror as she brushed her teeth. Copyright © 2013 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. 268