Know nothing on the case so won't comment on the specifics.
But dementia can quite easily mean you do not remember a family member or loved one in your house, but you remember your house as being where you live. Ergo defence to an invader.
Some stories see folks effectively break in to their old workplace or homes (they know the window that is dodgy, they remember the passcode, a hidden key etc and even an alarm code at points) and are merry until someone doesn't know them.
These thankfully never end up in charges when there's an understanding, but this is how damaging and random it is. I remember one chap at his workplace went in (say 3am) and just started working, reviewed paperwork and plans and cracked on even though he had basically just escaped from home, and was long retired.
PR stunt or not as I remember it, the company paid him the hourly as his work was spot on and he'd saved another employee 3/4 hours of work lol Son/Daughter I can't remember didn't find it as funny, as they learnt about it because the front door was left open and absolutely shat themselves when they realised.
Horrible disease but I think Sil you are more thinking of alzheimer's which is the forgetful start, before it can turn into full dementia.
