Reality, what is it good for? The brain is a magical, mysterious, and incredibly powerful part of us that influences every aspect of our being. From birth we depend on accepting what the brain tells us is real. What we see, hear, taste, and touch, our understanding of the world around us. The brain is also an inventive story teller.
Consider your dreams and how real they seem to you. Scary, sensual, weird, inspirational, sad, happy, you name it. The dream is our reality. When we waken we realize it was it was merely an illusion. People with dementia can’t make that distinction.
What delusions does the person in your care insist is true that you know are false? How so you react to them?
The dementia brain sends images, thoughts, and sounds to people who are awake. Whatever story the brain is sharing with them becomes their reality. This is why we must enter their world. It is up to us to respond to what their brain is telling them. It is not telling lies. It is not being deceptive. It is recognizing someone’s very real confusion and fear and doing what we can to put them at ease.
As difficult as it is to cope with the unpredictable behavior of someone with dementia, please try to remember, They are giving us a hard time because they are having a hard time. They can’t help it.
The Imperfect Caregiver 
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