“I feel so overwhelmed with the explosions my mom keeps having. It is getting harder to redirect her. Such a terrible disease. I barely recognize her.”
A simple text message, yet it carries the weight of a heartbreaking reality. I don’t know which is more painful—being the one who sends a message like this or being the one who receives it. Either way, both share the same feeling: helplessness.
Having a parent with dementia is an experience that defies words. If you’ve lived it, you understand the deep sorrow of watching someone you love—someone who once guided you, taught you, and perhaps even seemed invincible—lose their grasp on reality. The person who once made the world make sense for you now struggles to make sense of the world themselves.
Dementia is not just memory loss. It’s the gradual unraveling of someone’s personality, their emotions, their ability to communicate, and their rational control. It can manifest in outbursts, confusion, and frustration—both for the person living with the disease and for their caregivers who are trying desperately to hold onto the person they once knew.
If you are walking this journey, know that you are not alone. The road may feel isolating, but countless others share this experience. Lean on support groups, professionals, and loved ones who understand. Most of all, remind yourself that love is still present, even in the midst of the heartbreak.
To those who have never faced this, cherish the moments with your loved ones. And to those who are in the midst of it, I see you. I hear you. And I know how heavy this burden can be.
Let’s continue to support one another through the pain, the love, and the loss.
Written By: Chantelle Johnson
With Mutual Love & Respect
Peggy & Chantelle
Last modified: August 17, 2025
