Is It Okay to Lie to My Loved One with Dementia? How to Navigate Difficult Conversations, Refusals, and Repetitive Questions

Caregiver-in-Plainview-NY

Dementia affects the brain’s ability to process and retain new information, leading to confusion, memory loss, and disorientation. Over time, individuals with dementia may struggle to differentiate between past and present, forget significant life events, or misinterpret their surroundings. In these moments, insisting on the “truth” can sometimes lead to distress, agitation, or unnecessary confrontation.

This is where the concept of therapeutic lying or compassionate communication comes into play. Instead of focusing on absolute truth, caregivers must prioritize their loved one’s emotional state and sense of security.

Read More