In some cases, dementia patients will keep repeating the same questions or actions over and over again. This can be distressing for family members and caregivers, leaving them wondering what to do. Dr. Gayatri Devi, board-certified neurologist and author of The Spectrum of Hope: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease, recommends that people not correct the dementia patient unless his/her actions are dangerous. In most cases, there is little benefit to correcting a patient’s delusions, and there could even be drawbacks. One fear that caregivers have is that the dementia will progress if patients’ delusions are not challenged or corrected, but Dr. Devi stresses that this is not the case. She also encourages allowing the patient as much dignity and independence as possible. Whenever you can, promote confidence in the person with dementia.

To learn more from Dr. Devi, visit her website or purchase her latest book, The Spectrum of Hope: An Optimistic and New Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease.

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