Mom is taking my stuff. What do I do?

Your Mom doesn't understand what is hers and what isn't. Telling her sthat something she took is not hers, is setting her up for frustration. After a day or so, just 'return ' it to yourself. The interesting part of dementia, is that your Mom will quickly forget that she 'took' it from you.

You might also consider how you are 'storing' your items. You may need to put 'valuables' in a hard to access area. In Memory care centers, this activity is termed 'shoplifting'. The aides have to go through the rooms every few days and return things to their rightful owners.

Thanks for your help. One thing I think might be a problem is that Mom would probably remember what she had and get upset when she found out it was gone. One time she thought one of her rings was gone and she started to get really upset.

Remember, you are dealing with a child's mind. Take it firmly but gently. Lock up any cleaning products that might harm her, put them up high where she doesn't sneak. Buy some inexpensive shiny pretty things for her to "find" and make a big fuss over her treasure. Valuables like money, jewelry, checks, need to be in a lock box or high shelf.

She will probably remember older things that she had for a longer time rather than the things she just found, if that helps any. You are handling things well!