As a caregiver, you sometimes don't realize what snippets of current events have become part of the thought processes of a loved one who has Alzheimer's disease. Recently, my mother's disconnected understanding of what's going on in the world became apparent during one of our daily conversations. The challenge for me became how to respond in a kind and loving way so that Mom felt validated in her ideas (even if they were totally off base).

Let me set the scene. I went to see Mom at the nursing...