When my cousin says something that is nonsensical, I just say, Oh, alright. That's one way to look at it. Or, that reminds me, do you like Jergen's lotion or Aveeno? I just agree with what she says and keep it light. I try to give her compliments on her hair, clothes, room, etc.
I would keep in mind that the conversations may not be remembered by the dementia patient, so you may have to have it over and over. There's no need to tell them that you've already talked about, since they won't believe it and they also won't remember that you told them that shortly thereafter. It's just living in the moment.
A person with dementia can't be expected to live in our world anymore. To be with them we have to go into their world. Let go of all your expectations and habits when it comes to conversation and let the person say whatever they want while you listen. It may be nonsense but you'll learn to pick up their thread of conversation. Just go with it and change with it. Never correct the person for telling the same story or repeating the same thing. Be with them where they are.
Robert, I ran a search on this website [search mode is unfortunately well hidden], and found this article that will be of some help. Oh, when you see advertisements at the end of a paragraph, scroll over the ads for the rest of the article, again with the next ad.
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I would keep in mind that the conversations may not be remembered by the dementia patient, so you may have to have it over and over. There's no need to tell them that you've already talked about, since they won't believe it and they also won't remember that you told them that shortly thereafter. It's just living in the moment.
Prepare yourself as it's quite exhausting.
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