Dementia and Denial - When People Think Nothing is Wrong

Denial is a common response and often a natural part of life when dealing with any chronic illness. With dementia, it affects those diagnosed, their family members, and their friends at various times during the disease process and we will explore many different situations. One of the most important things we will discuss is why people experience denial. What is triggering their denial? How is denial protecting them and from what? If we don't understand the whys, it's almost impossible to come up with good solutions.

For those living with dementia and for family members, and friends we will:
- Define denial.
- Talk about how denial feels to the person in denial, as well as those around them.
- Look at how our belief systems can trigger denial.
- Discuss what denial can look like.
- Explore the difference and the whys between denial, lack of insight, believing in an alternate reality, and lack of engagement.

This will be an interactive session. Audience members are encouraged to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences as we work to come up with effective coping strategies when faced with denial - in those we care for, in those close to us, and also in ourselves.

Lori La Bey, founder of Alzheimer's Speaks and co-founder of Dementia Map and Conscious Caregiving with L & L will lead this session. Lori's mother lived with dementia for 30 years.

Dementia: Caring & Coping is presented by the Roseville Alzheimer's & Dementia Community Action Team. Our topics are intended to actively improve the quality of life for persons living with dementia and their care partners.

All are welcome!