Responding with Validation in Early States of Cognitive Change

This Martha W. Goodson Center video teaches caregivers how to respond with validation when a loved one is in the early stages of cognitive change. Validation — acknowledging and honoring a person’s feelings and reality rather than correcting or arguing — is a cornerstone technique in dementia care, and learning it early can transform the caregiving relationship.

As cognitive change begins, a person may repeat questions, misremember, or express feelings that don’t match the caregiver’s view of reality. The instinctive response — to correct, reason, or argue — often backfires, causing frustration and distress for both. The video demonstrates instead how to validate the person’s emotions and experience, meeting them where they are, which reduces agitation and preserves dignity and connection. These skills are especially valuable in the early stages, when habits formed now will shape the years of caregiving ahead.

This resource matters because how a caregiver communicates has an enormous effect on a person with cognitive change — and on the caregiver’s own stress. Validation is a proven, compassionate approach, but it runs counter to instinct and benefits from being seen in action. For caregivers noticing early cognitive changes in a loved one, this brief, free video offers a foundational skill. It is available to stream online from the Goodson Center’s video library.