It has become apparent that dementia has arrived for my Mom, she has been very mean and demanding. Any advice?

Can I just say that I am sorry that you and your family are going through this nightmare had gone through it myself! I prayed a lot and had to learn to grow a thick skin, which I thought I had from working in public, but how different it is coming from your own mother; however, my mother did a complete turn around for the most part! I pray that your mom will do the same.

And as always come on here to rant or vent this is a good place to just get your feelings out and get information!

Don't forget to take time for yourself!

Hugs!!!

It's part of the illness - be patient - think of her the way it was before the illness - pray a lot !! Keep the faith

Acceptance. It is the disease. It won't get better. Rarely do people get entirely sweet, though that CAN happen as well. Usually it becomes paranoia and complaints and it is somewhat of a habit. Like seniors complaining about the institutional cooking at their Assisted Living.
It is painful for certain. Here you are trying to make all these things better as time goes on and THIS is the thanks? Unfortunately, yes. Try your best not to react until you are out of earshot (then shriek, scream and rend your hair). If you react TO her you will just feel guilty afterward, because inside yourself you KNOW this is the disease talking. It is just it sounds like Mom; it LOOKS like Mom, and as kids we have learned quickly to have that sinking feeling in our guts when Mom is unhappy.
So sorry you are experiencing this. But you DO know the reality. Try not to dwell on it when it is over. And honestly, try to spend a little bit less time listening to it. If others are bringing this to you, about what Mom is saying about you, hubby, the kids? Time to STOP THEM AT ONCE. This is very wrong. Kindly tell them gently that these things are very painful; that they are a part of her dementia, and that you don't wish to hear it any more from anyone, as that makes it so much worse. They will feel RIGHTLY ashamed of themselves. There is no reason to burden you more.

A combination of distance and acceptance. Distance, some physical, but mostly emotional, will protect you. And acceptance, because this will be a new chapter, one that doesn’t get better. I’m sorry you’re dealing with this