Answering Questions about the Illness

Sometimes people unintentionally ask tough questions such as, "What's the matter?" It may be their way of trying to figure out a way to help you, or they might misunderstand and think that your loved one could endanger you. The brief answer that everyone can understand sounds something like this:

"My father/mother has a dementia that causes him/her to be overly talkative/impulsive/very impatient/unable to speak [choose whatever symptom is currently showing]. Sorry for the inconvenience."

Some families handle this by carrying copies of a letter like this one with them so they can leave it with the person who has inquired about the situation. The acquaintance (or stranger, in some cases) can then read the explanation about your loved one's diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia, which prevents you from standing there and holding a sensitive conversation in front of your parent.

Home "Doctors Don't Know Anything
about Dementia" Advice from Kids Who Understand What Psychologists Say about You How to Get Help! Learn More about Dementia & Downloadable Resources

For Your Friends What Child Caregivers
Really Appreciate Answering Questions about the Illness