Hi

Aggression/difficult behavior that is a result of delusional ideas is difficult to deal with. I am not sure what you identify as a 'delusion' in this case. From what you say she appears realize she is not in her own house but is being asked to stay somewhere she does not want to stay. However here are a few caregiver tips that may help you;

The nature of delusions and the way you cope with them will vary from person to person and also need to be adapted to the stage of Alzheimer's.

Keep in mind that delusions are 'fixed'. This means any attempt to argue the case only causes more distress to everyone and does not result in them changing their mind.
Try to think about the situation. Does the suspicious behavior occur more at different times of the day, for instance in the evening, or at night? Could tiredness, darkness and poor lighting, isolation and fear associated with being alone make their paranoia worse? See if there are any circumstances or routines that you can change that may reduce their paranoia.

Reassurance is very important to help reduce concerns, although they will probably not stop their delusional belief. It will not necessarily help telling her the truth.

Tell her she is safe and direct her to her room. Simple short answers, do not argue with her. Complicated explainations will not help.

Keep routines familiar

Because Alzheimer's is a degenerative condition this phase will change. Contact her family doctor if her levels of anxiety are very high. Small doses of medication may help her and you get through this stage of the disease.

Good luck

Christine

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

12/ 4/10 9:34am

Christine gave you good advice. Arguing won't help. I would say just what you were thinking - that we'll talk about it in the morning, or whatever helps her relax. Her doctor should be aware of this state, and yes, all of this is changable with time, but then new symptoms will pop up.

 

Take care and please let us know how you are doing.

Carol

flabbergasted

12/ 4/10 5:16pm

She has lived with us for 8 years, she just thinks she lives somewhere else. that is the delusion. SOmetimes she thinks she lives in a place she lived in 30 years ago, sometimes she doesn't have any idea where she thinks she lives, just not with us at that moment in time.

flabbergasted

12/ 4/10 5:19pm

Thank you both for your answer. I thought I was on the right track, my hubby just really needed to hear it from someone other than me that going along with the delusion and therefore not agitating her even worse was really what was needed. He so desperately wants to try to conivince her of the truth. I think he is finally starting to understand that the truth is whatever she believes at that moment for her.

Thank you

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

12/ 6/10 11:16am

You are so welcome. Please keep checking back for support. Good luck to your whole family. We all know this is hard.

Carol