Dealing with Alzheimer’s and Paranoia
Posted on August 12, 2008
Filed Under Meditation |
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As Alzheimer’s develops, paranoia and suspicion of a person can be one of the most difficult behaviors to handle. Your loved will gradually become more confused and perceive things differently than they would have.
This is not only due to their inability to remember certain people, but also places and things, and the fact that they can’t remember themselves as well.
Your loved one may be misinterpreting what they are seeing or hearing. They may be confusing people, events, times etc. and can often associate an event with the wrong person.
It’s also possible that they’re misinterpreting what he or she is hearing or seeing. Because Alzheimer’s patients confuse times, events and people, they may associate an event with the wrong person. For instance, if their ex-husband or wife once cheated on them, they may accuse their new spouse of 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.
Have compassion and let them express their ideas. Keep your responses short and easy for your loved one to understand.
Think about buying your loved one two of each item that they value such as a wallet or handbag to keep them from thinking you may have stolen it. This helps alleviate some of their suspicions. You might also take their mind of this behavior by finding a different activity that can keep them occupied. Just remember that it will pass.
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.
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