How can I be patient with my mom when she says the same thing over and over again?

Seriously, take a deep breathe, and answer her question again nicely...when she does it again, do the same thing.....she has no control of asking the same question over and over again....it's the disease and you have to keep telling yourself that. And, what I always do is think how SHE must feel....and, that maybe someday you'll be like her and be asking your children a question over and over again....do you want them getting irritable, or do you want their love and patience and help ??? Believe me, it took me a while to understand but one day after reading many comments from others on their experiences,and giving deep thought on the situation, a light went on in my head looking at the world thru HER eyes, and thoughts and feelings....let me tell you, it's a BIG difference and from that day on I've had more patience and understanding, and empathy. I still get frustrated but then I take a deep breathe, and answer again nicely....and again nicely..... She is a person with feelings whom is only trying to live in the horror of the disease. I look in her eyes and I see fear, and I wish I could make it all go away for her. .. is very sad so all I can do is give her the love, patience and understanding she deserves.

Dear Dee ~ You have solved my puzzle! What you said is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you - You showed me my *purpose*!!

Reading up on this topic, I heard it's good to put a scrap book together for the elderly parents experiencing dementia. I'm not quite there yet with my parents but I see a rapid decline as they are 81 and 86. I'm not too religious, somewhat spiritual, but asking for patience. I am trying to keep some humor in things and trying to do things my parents enjoy as there will be time when they won't be able to get out of the house. Talk to you all later alligators!!!!

I'm aware this may be insensitive but why not wear earplugs? I have to wear them to tolerate the repetitive talk from my mother. I can still hear her - and still respond to her - but her talk is at a noticeably lesser volume so my nerves aren't edgy and my heart isn't racing. You're human. You're making a huge sacrificing taking care of an ill family member but you should be able to draw the line to doing what's necessary to maintaining your sanity during this very stressful time in both of your lives. I don't feel guilty wearing ear plugs. I actually sleep better because I'm less tensed throughout the day.