Why is my mother with dementia confused when I tell her she already ate dinner?

When your mother with dementia gets confused about having already eaten dinner, it’s due to the way the disease affects her memory and perception of time.

Dementia causes changes in the brain that make it hard for people to remember recent events. Your mom might forget she ate dinner just a few hours ago because her brain isn’t storing new memories properly. It’s like her mind is stuck in the past, so she thinks she hasn’t eaten yet.

The disease can also mess up how she experiences time. Minutes might feel like hours to her, or vice versa. So even if she ate recently, it might feel like a long time ago to her.

Sometimes, people with dementia also have trouble recognizing when they’re full or hungry. Your mom might not remember the feeling of having eaten, so she thinks she needs food.

It’s frustrating, but try not to argue with her about it. Instead, you could offer a small snack or distract her with an activity she enjoys. Keeping a routine and using visual cues like a meal schedule on the wall can also help.

Remember, your mom isn’t doing this on purpose. Her brain is playing tricks on her. Patience and understanding go a long way in these situations. If you’re worried about her eating habits, talk to her doctor for more specific advice.