Repeatings are particularly frustrating. I recall when my cousin began doing that A LOT! I initially reminded her she already asked the question, then one day I asked her if she realized she already asked it….she said no. So, I decided to always answer like it was the first time. And never tell her I’d answered it before. One thing I did was devise a game I played in my head. I counted how many tines I had to answer the same question. Lol. I kept a running total to see when I’d break the record. It helped a little. Especially when in the ER for long waits. While in those cubicles she would often be scared and anxious. She hated hospitals . She was so relieved I was there with her. So, she’d say, I love you so much! And, I say, I love you too! Pause….repeat about a minute later. Lol. This would go on for hours even when I tried to change the subject. I bet those other nearby patients found it odd and confusing. That is where I first stated the counting game. I did it in my head not aloud. Eventually, her repeatings stopped. Her speech eventually declined.

My father continued with repeatings and never lost all his speech. My mom struggled with it and no matter how often I reminded her, she felt the need to tell Daddy she had told him something several times before. I think some people are not well equipped to tolerate dementia behaviors. No one’s fault. I think it’s important to be realistic about it. Know your limitations and get help. Taking breaks, continuing to have your own activities and interests is vital. Imo, respite time is the most important thing for caregivers. I think being patient can lead to a lot of anxiety and caregiver fatigue. Read about that. It’s brutal. Even though I thought I was prepared…..it was a shock.