The Hardest Passage : A Psychoanalyst Accompanies Her Patient's Journey into Dementia

the face of fear and confusion. It is difficult to face the recession of capacities in our loved ones and our own helplessness. Yet, turning away to avoid the pain of loss may make the aging individual also turn away from facing the situation, enhancing the isolation and loneliness triggered by their waning capacities. In navigating this hardest passage, Maxine came to realize that by remaining truly attentive to Sally's experience, in the midst of loss and frustration, she could reach past the confusion and fear to help Sally feel emotionally accompanied, and thus more available to her own experience and realities. Surprisingly, when Sally felt accompanied, she could better face the hard truths about her decline. In addition, she and David were able to genuinely welcome change, amidst the necessary mourning, and managed to discover a new continent of experience and relationships. The encounter changed the lives of all involved and opened them up to new aspects of their own humanity. This moving tale

presents a unique perspective on living with dementia and is of interest not only to all professionals working with dementia, but also to those accompanying their loved ones on their own hardest passage.[Publisher's text]

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