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← Return to Fixations in early dementia?
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Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Sep 5, 2023 | Replies (11)
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Both my mother-in-law and my husband have had these dementia-related fixations. I had never thought to use that word for them, but it’s a good one. My husband would become obsessed by some question in his mind that he couldn’t solve. “Where is our money?” “How much money do we have?” “Where is my bike?” I used to write it all down on sheets of paper for him to keep nearby. But now, that seems to be subsiding, and he seems more content. I don’t know that there’s any solution except giving short simple answers and practicing patience in dealing with the endless repetition of fixations. Best of luck to you. I know how frustrating it is. ❤️
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My husband has the same issues with being fixated on certain things. It drives me mad, but he doesn't know he's being irrational. I try to be a saint and slowly and kindly help him through the fog, but saintliness just isn't in my wheelhouse. The best I can do is to try to keep my facial expressions neutral and my voice calm. Notes don't help if the person doesn't remember to read them. They don't help if he loses or forgets his glasses somewhere. So, yes, it's frustrating.
When I look at other people who are dealing with similar issues, I wonder how they remain calm and go through their days/months/years with what looks like serenity. I've been told by some of those folks that they can manage it because they don't have a choice. I guess that's the answer. No choice. So we soldier on and find joy where we can.