How Confabulation in Dementia Differs from Lying as We Understand It
Dear Carol: My husband of 43 years has been diagnosed with dementia. We were fortunate to have a good marriage based on trust and integrity, as well as honest communication. Unfortunately, he’s started making up stories to cover the gaps in his memory, and it’s driving me insane. They are far-fetched, to put it compassionately. Considering that we’ve spent the greater part of our lives together, I think I’m a decent judge of the truth of his history. My memory and thinking are still on target, yet I sometimes doubt myself after my husband tells an extremely convincing version of a story from our past that is entirely different from the truth. I’m told this is part of the disease, but how do I respond to him during these times? ~SR
Dear SR: In a good marriage, people support and trust each other, yet dementia changes the dynamic drastically, leaving a befuddled, heartbroken spouse to figure it all out. You’re ahead of the game in that you understand that your husband is struggling…
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