No idea what he's asking...Help me deal please

I have this problem with my mom, who is now in stage 5. I, too, act like it's my fault for not being able to understand. If I'm there with her, I ask her to show it to me. I'll also ask round-about questions trying to get clues. I don't want her to feel put on the spot, because that would be embarrassing for her and make it even harder to communicate. Sometimes she uses the incorrect word for things, like saying "glasses" when she means hearing aids. If we're not getting anywhere, and I can sense she's getting frustrated, I blame it on myself and ask if we can look into it later. Hopefully she'll forget about it or have better words for it the next time she brings it up.

The main thing I try to remember about dementia is that the emotional part of the brain is still strong even as the other parts fail. They can sense your mood and frustration through your body language and tone of voice, so I always try to be on guard not to let my impatience or frustration creep in.

It's a challenge and mentally exhausting, but my emotional muscles are getting stronger with practice. 😊 I was never a touchy feely person before, but that is one thing mom responds well to, so I'm learning to use those muscles too, and the results have been beneficial for both of us.