Dealing with Alzheimer’s and Paranoia

« « Using Sound Waves to Train Your Memory | When Friends Don’t Understand Your Invisible Illness » »

Monday, November 10th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

Paranoia and suspicion can create a frightening environment for your loved one, and they are bound to feel this way over seemingly regular activity. You loved one may become more confused and begin to perceive things differently than they once may have.

It is not only their inability to not remember certain people, places and things that causes paranoia, but also the fact that they can’t remember themselves as well. This combination can create a frightening environment for your loved one and they’re bound to grow paranoid and suspicions of seemingly regular activity.

People with Alzheimer’s will often confront their loved ones, accusing them of theft, improper behavior or even infidelity. Many times they’re getting their feelings from ones they’ve had in the past from different people or different times.

An Alzheimer’s patient confuses people, events and times and can associate an event with the wrong person. For example, maybe their ex-husband had an affair so now they believe their current spouse is doing the same.

So what’s the best way to deal with all of this? The key is to meet their paranoid behavior head on with pure patience and understanding. Just know that this is going to occur, and take a deep breath. You may be offended by their paranoia, but it’s not personal.

Don’t argue or try to convince them that they’re wrong, just let them know that you care about what they’re feeling and are very sorry that they’re feeling that way. Let your loved one express their ideas and acknowledge their opinions before offering a simple answer. Keep your response short and easy to understand.

You an take their mind off their suspicions by suggesting a different activity that focuses on keeping them occupied. You might even think about buying them two of each item that they often lose, such as a handbag or wallet. This will help keep them from being suspicious that you stole it.

For instance, if they tend to lose their handbag or wallet, buy two that are exactly the same so that they won’t be suspicious that you stole it. Paranoia and suspicion will often pass, but it’s important to keep your cool and remain understanding. The more worked up your loved one gets the more paranoid they become.

About the Author:

For a FREE E-Book and On-Going Tips Dealing With Austin Alzheimer’s, make sure you visit the Alzheimer’s Legal Resource Center.

Get Social, Bookmark Us!!:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.