My mother-in-law with Alzheimer's dementia keeps saying "what should I be doing." Any advice on how to respond?

Interesting that my mom, also with dementia, says basically the same thing of "I don't know what I should be doing". I just say something supportive and vague, like "there's really nothing you should be doing. Just relax and watch TV, I guess." Or I'll say "Hmm. Are you feeling a little confused right now? That's OK. It happens sometimes."

With her it's a roller coaster. Good moments and bad ones.

"I don't know."
"Anything you want."
"Brush your teeth."
Options probably confuse her. And you can keep silent. You don't always have to answer.

My mother asks the same thing, and answers the same way when we provide an answer. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Then, she asks again, in two minutes. 🤪

It’s the unanswerable question, for sure! 😜

Perhaps ask her what she thinks – what are the options she is considering? It might help to deflect her thoughts, or give you different things to discuss.

So if she doesn't like your ideas just say "I don't know" and move on.

Their minds are a continuous loop, she will move on to some other thing soon, just roll with it. There is no reasoning with a person who has dementia.

Forget about trying to resolve these type of issues, it is a waste of time.