My mom’s initial diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment in 2019, followed later by dementia in 2021, felt like a gut punch—sudden and completely unexpected. There was no family history of dementia, so none of us saw it coming or had any preparation for it. To be honest, I clung to denial for longer than I should have, not ready to accept the reality unfolding before me.

The Constant Evolution of Dementia

Dementia is a progressive and degenerative disease, constantly shifting. Just when I felt I was beginning to understand one stage, new symptoms and behaviors would emerge, throwing me back into uncertainty. Learning how to navigate these changes while simultaneously managing my emotions has been exhausting. Watching someone you love fade in front of you is a heartbreak like no other.

Turning to Google for Answers

Through it all, Google has been my lifeline—a place where I’ve turned time and time again in search of answers, advice, and reassurance. Here are just some of the many questions I’ve typed into that search bar over the years:

• Understanding Dementia and Its Symptoms
  • What is mild cognitive impairment?
  • What’s the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s?
  • What is anosognosia?
  • What is sundowning, and how do I manage it?
• Managing Daily Challenges
  • When should someone with dementia stop driving?
  • How do I convince my mother to shower?
  • How do you redirect someone with dementia?
  • My mom is at home. Why is she so focused on going home?
  • How do I get my mother to take her medication?
• Finding Support and Care Options
  • What day programs are available in the area?
  • What are the best tracking devices for seniors with dementia?
  • What’s the difference between a retirement home and long-term care?
  • How do you know when it’s time to move to long-term care?
  • How long do people with dementia typically stay in long-term care?
• Navigating Long-Term Care and Emotional Struggles
  • How often should I visit my mother in long-term care?
  • How do I stop feeling guilty for not visiting more?
  • What is self-care?
  • What are the symptoms of burnout

The Journey Continues

This list keeps growing as our journey continues, each question reflecting a new challenge, a new fear, a new hurdle. If you’ve recently received a dementia diagnosis for a loved one or even suspect it, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. But know this: you’ll figure things out as you go, and you’ll learn what you need to learn, just as I have.

Learning the Hard Lessons

I wish I had learned certain lessons earlier, but maybe you can benefit from them now. In upcoming posts, I’ll share more about these questions—the confusion they sparked, the challenges they brought, and the tips and strategies that helped me cope. If you find this information helpful, stick around.

What Have You Googled?

Have you found yourself searching for guidance on supporting a loved one with dementia? What questions have you asked Google?