I want to share what I am learning about supporting Rich as we go through our journey with dementia. Rich has been struggling with understanding what he hears - the words don't connect and make sense to him. He is also having a difficult time with finding words to express himself. If an activity or conversation has happened in the recent past, he has no memory of it. It can be frustrating and confusing for me because I am never sure what he knows. I am learning to ask him if he understands what I am telling him. When he struggles to find the words to tell me something - I don't jump in right away and provide the words for him. I often put a reassuring hand on his leg or arm that lets him know that I'm in no hurry and he can take his time expressing his thoughts. I am also learning not to expect him to remember ANYTHING (because he doesn't). Our cat, Henrietta was sleeping in our room and it was making sleep miserable for me because I am allergic to cat dander. We had b...