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I would not tell her. Did he live in your area and was he able to visit? I think that you should wait in case your Mom asks. Speaking of old times is what most seniors in Dementia do. They don't often talk about the present. If she starts to ask about him, then I think you will have to approach this with honesty. If she doesn't ask, I wouldn't. Try to continue to divert her with old days. With photo albums of the family when he and all the rest were younger. Those are the days, the long term memories that will most interest her now. Play it by ear as time goes along. Good luck; hope you will update us.
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What would be the advantages of either telling her or not telling her?  For the former, she may not remember, or understand, but if she does, it could cause her painful grief and more of a sense of isolation in that another family member is gone, not to mention grieving from the loss.

If the latter, what would be the downsides?   If he visited periodically or frequently, you could make excuses - car problems, house problems, etc., wash and repeat.    If he visited rarely, would she be aware that he's still not visiting?

I think the question is how would she react to either telling of his passing or not, and which would be the easiest and most helpful for her?
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Would she expect your brother to be at the window visits or to call her?

I think I would not mention it. She is unlikely to be able to process the information, but it will make her sad anew each time she hears it.
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