Dementia Is a Thief: Here’s What It Takes (and What Helps)

Dementia doesn’t just take memory. It takes routines, confidence, safety, and your sense of normal. It also steals your time like it’s getting paid by the hour.

Let’s say the quiet part out loud: the hardest part isn’t only the work. It’s the grief that keeps happening while the person is still here. That’s emotional whiplash on repeat.

If you feel angry, numb, guilty, or all three before breakfast—you’re normal. That’s not you being “bad at caregiving.” That’s you being human in an impossible situation.

Practical basics that actually help:

• Label everything. Dementia hates mystery.

• Simplify choices. Two options max.

• Build a “calm kit.” Familiar music, soft blanket, snack, photo album.

• Don’t argue reality. Redirect, validate feelings, save your energy.

Look up: “validation therapy” and “redirection techniques.” When logic stops working, these keep peace.

Real talk takeaway: you don’t need endless patience. You need support and strategies.

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