Confabulation: What’s Really Happening When People with Dementia Seem to Lie?
Dear Carol: I’m my mom’s only daughter, so we are close. Mom was recently diagnosed with mixed dementia, so I moved her in with me and I’m trying to learn how to care for her. She’s always been a stickler for truth, yet lately, she’s been lying about odd things she’s done. For example, I asked her why she’d started up the washer when the clothes were clean and ready for the dryer. She insisted she’d just put in a dirty load. I’m ashamed to say that I responded badly. What could be behind her need to lie to cover such an insignificant mistake? Maybe you can help me understand my response, too. I feel awful. – TL
Dear TL: As a dementia caregiver your heart will break regularly. While that’s guaranteed, education and caregiver support can help. Let’s start here: There’s no way that we can completely understand what is going on in the mind of another person let alone someone with dementia. However, I can say that much of what we may view as “lying”…
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “For anyone having to walk the last segments of life with a loved one, read this.” …Delores
Shop Silverts Adaptable clothing:
Discover the Difference. EGOSAN – the Top-Rated incontinence brand from Italy. Now Available on Amazon.
