Dealing with Alzheimer's and Paranoia
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by: BrianT.Willie
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Word Count: 355
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.
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. They may be misinterpreting what they are seeing or hearing. It is often the case that their feelings have come up from the past and are causing them to now feel this way again.
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.
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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