The paranoia and suspicion of a person with Alzheimer’s can be one of the most difficult behaviors for their caregiver to handle. As the Alzheimer’s develops and targets your loved ones memory, they’ll gradually become more confused and perceive things they would have once though normal, in new ways.
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.
To take their mind off of their suspicions, suggest another activity and focus on keeping them occupied. Ask them for help with a chore, play a game you know they’ll enjoy or make a meal together. To avoid their suspicions in the future, buy your loved one two of each item they value and often lose.
So, try and stay calm, remain understanding and have compassion. Your loved one will feel your energy and feed off of it.
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