My mother keeps asking the same question over and over again and I can't get her to stop. The doctor told me to just ignore her. That does not work. What should I do to make her less agitated as she tries to stuff so much information into her brain with no memory?
In any case, when someone with dementia asks the same question over and over, here is what you do: Answer the same question, over and over. At some point try distracting to another topic.
Boring? YES! Frustrating? YES! Loving caregiver response? YES!
Taking care of someone with dementia is a highly demanding, often-frustrating, very challenging task. Not everyone can handle it.
I am very glad you spoke to her doctor. If you think that she is unduly agitated discuss that specifically with her doctor. Perhaps a medication would help her be more calm. But I don't know of a medication that will stop the repetitive questions.
In many cases the repetition is a phase and will eventually diminish.
I'm suggesting (as many others have in answer to this same question by others) that you answer the question over and over. I know that won't "work" in terms of stopping her from asking the questions.
I think there is NO solution to get someone with dementia to stop asking the same question. The quest is to find a way to handle it that is least distressing to you. Try ignoring her. Try changing the subject without answering the question. Try answering the question as simply as you can. Try saying "I don't know." Pick some approach that is least aggravating to you.
Caregiving for a loved one with dementia IS the hardest job available.
Even if Mom lives another 10 or 15 years, this repeated question phase is not likely to last that long. With luck it will go away after several months.
One thing that can help is venting to someone who understands the situation. My sisters and I do this via email after our visits with Mom. You can do it here. Pop on and say "Do you know how many times my mother asked what bank she uses during a one hour period? 18!! Is that a record? But also mention that you are venting so we don't try to solve an insolvable problems.
I am sorry, it is hard to take you seriously when you play games like that.
I am not eligible for Medicaid because I gifted my assets to disabled daughter before the dementia started. Any help?
How do you know that you are really listed as the joint beneficiary on life insurance and retirement accounts as told without documentation?
My husband has dementia and thinks he is useless. What can I give him to do to help?
If assets were gifted and then spent, does my mother get denied Medicaid and if so what happens to her? She dies alone at home?