stage: 2

Three things that feel natural but make dementia harder — and what to do instead

Three things to avoid are: never argue with or try to correct them when they say something that is not true, as this causes distress and serves no useful purpose; never ask them if they remember something, because repeated failure to recall causes embarrassment and anxiety; and never talk about them as if they are not in the room, which is demeaning and can cause agitation even if they appear unaware. Beyond these three, it is also important to avoid rushing, overwhelming them with choices, and raising your voice. The goal in every interaction is to preserve the person's dignity and emotional wellbeing.