What does it mean when someone repeats the same stories over and over?

Repeated stories often represent highly significant memories. The person may repeat themselves because they want to communicate and cannot find anything else to say. The person might have become ‘stuck’ on a particular word, phrase or action. The person might be bored and under-occupied.

Why do dementia patients make up stories?

The person is likely to fight to keep up the façade of ‘normality’ and being in control. They might do things, such as making up a little story to fill the memory gap of someone or something they can’t remember. Professionals label this gap filling as ‘confabulation’.

How long does someone with dementia live?

Studies suggest that, on average, someone will live around ten years following a dementia diagnosis. However, this can vary significantly between individuals, some people living for more than twenty years, so it’s important to try not to focus on the figures and to make the very most of the time left.

Would You Rather Be Kind than confront an issue?

In my younger days, I’d rather be kind than confront an issue that might end in an argument. I slowly discovered that it wasn’t kindness that was guiding my actions. It was avoidance of possible conflict. You never know how someone else is going to respond. Think about it. It’s unsettling not to know, which may be why we don’t start.

What is the hardest part about listening to other people?

The hard part is listening to it and not getting defensive, and instead, suspending judgment for a moment, taking a breath, and getting interested. And even thanking the other person for having the courage to tell you something you don’t already agree with. OK. You’re listening and considering what another person has to say.

How can we enhance our ability to receive and listen?

We can enhance our ability to receive, and in turn listen, by trying to minimize noise. During the interpreting stage of listening, we combine the visual and auditory information we receive and try to make meaning out of that information using schemata.