Caregiver Tips for Coping with Paranoid Behavior in Alzheimer's

For patients living with dementia that are back in time (think they are living in a different  position of their life time, such as, childhood) I try to adjust to their reality to reduce stress. Once I have an idea of the scenerio, I try to give answer and play a part that is in agreement with the world as they see it.

For Example:Because Mr. Brown (not the patient's real name) believes that he is only 40, working as the VP of the marketing diviosion and heading out tomorow to lead a huge presentation, he is tearing the house apart in search of a breif case and to pack. I tell him that the presentation and briefcase arelocked in the office because the car is picking him up there after the staff meeting on Monday and we will pack Sunday because her doesn't leave until Monday before noon. I tell him to relax that he is supposed to rest and get his head on straight today and all this vexing is stressing him out. Since this is a repeative delusion, ever day is Saturday. It has helped much more than the distraction and reorientation we were attempting before. Ever person is different but for some finding a way to help them feel secure in their reality helps.

that my mother makes up are maybe not the truth?? and some parts may be the truth while some parts may be her interpretation of the truth....like when someone calls to talk to her, my sister or brother....she twists what they said and what they really wanted by the next day....she is very suspicious of everyone, including me... hard to help her somedays...

This is a terrific post, Christine. My parents and uncle all had different dementias, but each became paranoid in some way. Each case, as well as different behaviors on different days had to be coped with in different manners. An educated caregiver is better prepared to cope. Thanks again for this terrific information.

Carol