Suspicious

Thanks so much for your post. 

I am one of the moderators for the site and although I am not a trained medical professional I will say this - wait until you have discussed more with your mom's doctor. 

It may seem the writing is on the wall, but one never knows until the facts are there.  In the meantime, you should read more about this disease and maybe visit some of the website for groups that can support you and your mom if this in fact is Alzheimer's.

Please post back and let us know what is happening.

All the best, Sue (aka SMM) 

Dear Struggling,

You have taken an important step toward helping your mother by recognizing that you need some outside professional help. You mentioned that your mother has become increasingly suspicious. Typically, suspicions expressed by persons with dementia are likely to be unfounded. These false beliefs are called delusions. They have no basis and do not develop from facts. They are not rational, but your mother really believes that they are true.

I suggest you neither agree nor disagree with her new beliefs. Instead, respond to her feelings. Not all delusions are unpleasant, so you only need to respond when she is upset. Respond by remaining calm, reassuring her that you will always be there for her, and then attempting to distract her onto a more pleasant or less upsetting topic. Memory cues and repeated tries can be helpful in this process.

Suspiciousness and delusions can indicate mood disorders or they can be symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia or other dementia conditions. We encourage you to speak to her primary care physician or to a geriatrician or geropsychiatrist about this problem. Perhaps you can gain your mother's trust and accompany her to the visit. The doctor may prescribe something to help her.

You asked about prognosis, and unfortunately, until you know what your mother's diagnosis is, there is no way to know how and if she will improve. Our best advice is to be patient and be there for her as much as possible.