When a loved one makes accusations, a calm and reassuring approach is best. Avoid arguing about the facts. Instead, say something like, 'I see how upsetting this is for you. That watch is very important. Let's look for it together.' Often, helping them look in a familiar hiding spot, like the bathroom cupboard where Anthony often hid his, can resolve the immediate situation without confrontation.


behavior: misidentification

content: It is incredibly painful when a parent doesn't recognize you. This is a common symptom of dementia called misidentification. It's important to stay calm and not take it personally. Gently reintroduce yourself, for example: 'I'm Anne, your daughter. I can see this is confusing right now.' Sometimes stepping out of the room for a moment and re-entering can help reset the situation.


This is a deeply emotional and common experience, especially in later stages of dementia. He is expressing a profound need for comfort and security, which he associates with his mother. Instead of correcting him, try to connect with the underlying emotion. You could say, 'You miss your mummy very much, don't you? Tell me about her.' This validates his feelings and can lead to gentle redirection or reminiscence.


behavior: aphasia

content: That sounds incredibly frustrating and stressful. It's a phenomenon called aphasia, and it's a common early symptom. Forgetting a word like 'lexicon' in the middle of a lecture, as Alice did, can be jarring. You handled it with grace by using humor. Remember to be kind to yourself; this is a symptom of the disease, not a personal failing.


behavior: confusion

content: Experiencing sudden and profound disorientation, even in a very familiar place, is a very real and scary symptom. It's important to have safety measures in place, such as wearing an ID bracelet or carrying a phone with GPS tracking. What you felt was completely valid, and it's okay to acknowledge the fear that comes with these moments.


Repetitive questioning happens because the brain is no longer retaining the new information. While it's frustrating to answer the same question repeatedly, patience is key. Try to answer in a calm, reassuring tone each time. Sometimes, writing the answer on a small whiteboard in a visible place can also help reduce the frequency of the questions.


This is a classic example of object misplacement due to cognitive changes. It can be startling, but it's often best not to make a big deal out of it. Waiting until the person leaves the room and then quietly moving the object avoids causing embarrassment or confusion and maintains a calm environment. Simple labels on cupboards can sometimes help.


behavior: agitation

content: Agitation and resistance to care are significant challenges. It's important to approach the situation with patience. Instead of forcing medication, try to understand the source of the agitation. Is it the time of day? Is he feeling a loss of control? Sometimes offering a simple choice, or distracting with a pleasant activity first can help. If it persists, discussing alternative medication timings or forms with his doctor is a good next step.


behavior: withdrawal

content: When someone is withdrawn, music can be a powerful way to re-engage them. Try playing some of his favorite music from his youth. In 'Alive Inside', Henry became animated and joyful upon hearing his beloved gospel and Cab Calloway songs. It's a gentle way to connect without the pressure of conversation.


When someone is experiencing a hallucination, it is important to not argue or correct them. The experience is real to them. Acknowledge the underlying emotion (e.g., 'That sounds very frightening'). Reassure them of their safety ('You are safe here with me'). Then, gently redirect to a real activity, like closing the curtains and moving to another room.