Coping with changing behaviors

Angiem

My mom has alzheimers and has suddenly become agitated when viewing images of herself or others in a mirror. She is afraid that she's being watched by strangers (images in mirror) or people on tv. She also hides money, thinking others are coming to steal it. She also has no idea whether it's daytime or night. I'm at a loss as to how to react to these new behaviors or how to reassure her.

terei

Mirrors + reflective surfaces could be covered. Limit access to cash. If the behavior accelerates, there are meds that can help these issues.

Angiem

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/239129#Comment_239129

Thank you for your suggestions. I'm always skeptical about meds, especially with their side effects, but it is an option. Thank you.

H1235

This article talks a bit about mirrors being a problem for some people with dementia. There is no solution presented, but understanding what might be going on in her head may be helpful.

https://www.smashwords.com/extreader/read/210580/2/understanding-the-dementia-experience

john813

The day vs night confusion is common with us, too. Causes agitation when he realizes it's night.