My grandparent has dementia. How do I deal with this? What can I expect?

A caregiver once shared how his son coped with a grandparent who would repeatedly ask the grandson whether he had eaten. The grandson would smile and tell the grandparent that yes, he had eaten, and show a spoon as proof (he carried a spoon in his pocket when at home :) ). Then he’d ask the grandparent whether she had eaten, and the grandparent would look content…till she asked the question again. Okay, so this approach may not work for everyone, but it shows that remaining calm and showing some creativity works sometimes, and is worth striving for. At least some of the problems may reduce this way.

You know, it is happening in my family also. I've seen my grandmother gradually losing her independence and capacities. It was kinda depressing. My father says she is not able to do anything for herself anymore and behaves like a small child. I deal with her loving her no matter what, knowing her limitations and respect them. I'm glad that she is still alive. I've accepted that currently there's no cure and maybe she's not getting better from her mental state, but I believe she can have some quality of life yet and I will help her in it.

Remember the good times and be there for them, it will hurt at times but they need to have someone there that they love. Their mind may start to slip, usually slowly at first, but with medications it is possible to delay or prevent the worst of it. They may forget simple things such as if they ate today or if they took any medicines that they may have. They can forget names or their children which is often in the later stages of it. That for most is the most difficult part of it all. It is best to realize that they can not help it and understand that unfortunately this may become normal for them to do. Be their for your grandparents and your family as this will be a difficult time for all you who are involved.

You can expect him to forget who people are, or what time in his life he's experiencing. Patients with dementia can become confused, but they're still themselves. Just be reassuring and tell him what's going on if he is having a bad time. Dementia frequently comes and goes, so you can still enjoy being with him during his lucid times -- and love him when he's not having a good day, too.

as a former carer of dementia patients i understand it can be very difficult to see such a change in someone, especially a loved one. it is important to understand that they are still the same person. things are bound to be different, their behaviour can change as well as the effects it has on memory but they are still the same person and the best way is to provide lots of patience and understanding. it may be worth doing some research into dementia or speaking to other family members about it

You should probably do your research online to see what you should expect. Remember to give support.

Everyone deals with it differently. I have found in working with patients with dementia that they also have a hard time going through it. How you deal with it, will also determine how they deal with it a bit. Being positive and understanding when they are forgetful can make a world worth of difference. Remember who they were, and love them for who they are now. It is a rough thing to watch, but being loving will help a lot.

It's important to remember that this is still your grandparent and should be treated with dignity and respect. They will have memory loss and ask the same questions multiple times. Try to be patient and know this is the same person you have known and loved, albeit with some medical issues.

Dementia is certainly a complex illness. You can find a support group for family members of people with dementia!

We can only go through with it. We have to be strong in order to keep them strong. It may be tough. But it's all we can do. Show your grandparent your love. Daily be there for them. Even if they can't remember you. Re-tell them anyways. Times will be difficult. But like I said, you have to stay strong.