04/16/2026
When a loved one living with dementia starts making accusations, your natural instinct is to defend yourself. However, because the brain’s logic center is damaged, defending yourself usually makes the paranoia worse.
The goal isn't to "win" the argument, it’s to lower their anxiety. Here are specific scripts and techniques to use:
1. The "Valuables" Script (When they accuse you of stealing)
* The Wrong Way: "I didn’t take your purse! I have my own money, why would I steal yours?" (This feels like an attack to them.)
* The Right Way: "Oh no, that is so frustrating. I know how much that purse means to you. Let’s look for it together, I bet it’s just 'hiding' somewhere safe."
* The "Secret" Move: If they frequently lose a specific item (like a wallet or purse/handbag), buy a duplicate. When they claim it's stolen, "find" the backup in a drawer and say, "Is this the one? Thank goodness we found it!"
Share your secret moves in the comments. You might help someone struggling with this.👇🏼
