Paranoia/Delusional

Sheryl0392

My mother is moving into this phase and at times is convinced "they" are going to kill her and her dog. Looking for advise! Thanks!

zauberflote

Hi Sheryl-- welcome! I'm sorry your mom is in the midst of this. My mother told me from time to time that staff were mean to her and hurt her. Pretty sure it was the taking showers part. I once arrived to hear blood-curdling non-stop shrieking from the vicinity of the shower room. Turned out to be Mom. I didn't think she had that in her at 92. Not one of my happy moments. So obviously showering was traumatic. They did switch over to bed baths after that, and the hospice aide who did that was a little more relaxed. 

Mom also spent time convinced that all the loud conversations in the hallway were about her, and found it disturbing and creepy-- as who wouldn't? 

There are medications that can help our LO with this stage. 

M1

Hi Sheryl, sorry you are both experiencing this, unpleasant all around. Sometimes it's wise to make sure there's nothing acute going on like a urinary tract infection, but if not then yes, medications may help. Ask about atypical antipsychotics such as Seroquel, which can be very effective. This is disturbing for her as well as those around her ....

M1

Hi Sheryl, sorry you are both experiencing this, unpleasant all around. Sometimes it's wise to make sure there's nothing acute going on like a urinary tract infection, but if not then yes, medications may help. Ask about atypical antipsychotics such as Seroquel, which can be very effective. This is disturbing for her as well as those around her ....

towhee

Hi Sheryl- If this started suddenly and is happening frequently first check for a underlying medical problem such as UTI or other infection, dehydration, unexpressed pain, etc. Talk to your doctor. Second, look at medications, has anything been added or dropped or dosage changed in the last couple of weeks. Third, look at her surroundings and the people she is with-Have there been any changes lately? Does this behavior occur at a particular time of day? Is she getting what happens on TV confused with real life?

We often can't figure out what is going on with our LOs. If the delusion/behavior is infrequent, or is not upsetting to the LO or the people around them, then we can try to manage it. You can try looking at youtube videos from Dementia Careblazers on delusions, or Teepa Snow videos on same. It is important not to try to argue them out of their belief. Give validation and comfort to the emotion behind the delusion and then try to distract.

If it does become frequent and upsetting it is often necessary to try medication. You want the absolute lowest effective dose to start, because it can be necessary to increase the dosage over time.

harshedbuzz

In addition to checking for a UTI, I'd take a look at what she is watching. 

My dad sort of absorbed the plots of mom's beloved crime dramas and developed delusions that mirrored what he'd recently seen- being kidnapped, raped, gangs, murder, etc. It was surprising because his short term memory was shot by this point, but there was something about the emotional content of the shows that stayed with him. I put parental controls on his TV to prevent viewing. I even blocked local news and the weather channels as he'd glom onto weather disaster shows about past storms or fires. 

Medication can also help dial back this sort of thing for her. A consult with a geripsych would be a good step towards that.