another delusion question

Expect a scrambled mix of these things and you cannot predict what flavor will happen today. I have seen DW get stuck on something for weeks at a time then drop it suddenly, or come up with a new confabulation that only lasts one day. Some are random and complete fiction, some are based on past experiences at least in part, but details get mixed up from unrelated events. The hard part for me is going along with the most impossible story just to reassure her and not challenge whatever she believes, and try to quickly redirect to another topic or activity.

I think the delusions and how long they last are very individual. My DH has had 3 distinct times of delusions. One was in the fall of 2021, the next in the spring of 2022 and the last just recently (2023). The first 2 lasted 4-5 days and this last one was a couple of weeks and was actually 2 different delusions that he would go back and forth with. All 3 events came at times of progression. All 3 ended when my DH decided that if I didn’t see these things then they must not be real and he let go of them. This last round just ended a few days ago. He came into the kitchen and said “I think I’m back”, “l think my brain is working again”. Now I had not said that I didn’t see what he was seeing. But I did often say that I didn’t know when he would ask me about the man and the woman staying here, etc. With all 3 events, there was some small piece of the story that was part of his life. One was centered around a napkin holder - go figure! None were scary, just frustrating because he couldn’t figure out some piece of the puzzle. I’ll be curious to see if anyone else responding to this thread has a PWD that “decides” to drop a delusion.

About the same here Pat. My DW has been seeing people in the house for years. She'll start talking to them telling them to "get out" or "we're not interested". She's always asking me who that person is sitting on the recliner. . .

I have experienced the same, and did again just tonight! My DH ask me where I live and how long I'll be here. We have been married for 45 years! He also asked me if I knew his children! He has done this before, and will later go back to remembering who we all are. Certainly is disconcerting; I think I'm getting used to these recurring delusions, but didn't realize that was what these are, until I read your comments here tonight. Always so grateful for this site to remind me that I'm not alone and that we walk along this ever changing and challenging path together!

I’d call the neurologist and see if s/he is willing to prescribe without seeing her. The delusions aren’t pleasant for her either. If not, ask for referral to a geriatric psychiatrist and bill it as a second opinion

My hubby's delusions would last about a week. Then, he develop a new one. There could be months in between them. He was always suspicious of me. That was kind of his standard daily delusion.

I’d make the appointment and tell her you’re going out for a drive. Stop off for ice cream or something then go to the doctor. If she balks, tell her it’s for a medication refill, whatever you need to say.