Dementia and Paranoia: Common Triggers and Tips for Caregivers

Paranoid behavior can vary in those with dementia. Paranoia can show itself as the following things:

• Confusion
• Suspicion
• Anger
• Aggression
• Stealing
• False accusations
• Hallucinations

Confusion or fear can be at the root of the issue. If something doesn’t make sense to someone with dementia, they may react with negative behaviors.

Hiding personal effects

The hiding of personal effects is another behavior to monitor. If you notice your loved one stashing away valuables like jewelry or money or becoming generally more skeptical of you or others, it could be a sign they’re experiencing paranoia.^[02]

Forgetfulness fuels paranoia

It’s important to note that as forgetfulness intensifies with dementia, your loved one might become paranoid when they start to misplace essentials.

Forgetfulness can lead to paranoia in many situations:^[02]

• Forgetting where something was placed, leading them to think someone is moving or taking their things on purpose
• Forgetting their caregivers or someone new they were introduced to, causing them to be skeptical of that person’s intentions and believe they are a stranger
• Forgetting directions or processes might make them think you’re trying to trick or deceive them

Let our care assessment guide you

Unfortunately, there is not one exact stage where paranoia appears in people with dementia. There are many different types of dementia, and each type can manifest differently depending on the person.

It’s a good idea to speak with your loved one’s medical care team if you have specific questions about their behavioral symptoms and paranoia related to their specific type of dementia.

Caring for a loved one living with dementia who’s also experiencing paranoia can be extremely difficult. Try to remember that your loved one is not only coping with memory loss but now doesn’t always feel comfortable and safe. Here are some tips to help your loved one through dementia and paranoia.

1. Don’t argue

When your loved one is experiencing feelings of paranoia, it’s easy for an argument to begin. Instead, calmly talk through any issues that might arise without being dismissive or aggressive.^[02]

2. Be patient

Though it may be difficult, by staying patient you can help avoid escalating situations and adding any further confusion or aggression to the moment.^[03]

3. Reassure your loved one

Remind your loved one you are there to help and care for them and have their best interests in mind.^[03]

4. Avoid triggering environments

If something is causing them to act out or become upset, if possible, try removing them from that space to redirect their attention. Maybe your loved one is upset because they can’t find an item they usually have easy access to. Try suggesting a walk to clear their mind and coming back to the task later.

5. Keep track of changes in behavior

You may start to notice your loved one isn’t keeping things in usual spots or is becoming more skeptical of their normal routines and care.

6. Check with a doctor

In addition to the changes to the brain caused by dementia, certain drugs can create feelings of paranoia as a side effect. By talking with your senior’s doctors, you can determine if prescribed medicines are the cause of the paranoia.^[02]

7. Prioritize self-care

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. As a caregiver to a person with dementia, it is essential to maintain self-care practices.

8. Consider long-term care

Hiring an in-home caregiver or moving your loved one to memory care could be a beneficial way to provide a more supportive living environment. With consistent professional care, your loved one can receive care and therapies from trained caregivers who tailor treatments to seniors’ current stage of memory care.

Senior living communities with secured memory care units also offer an environment geared toward the safety of people with memory loss challenges. They may feature easy to navigate pathways, large signage, and calming aromatherapy scents to create a relaxing atmosphere that may reduce stress, anxiety, and paranoia.

Talk with a Senior Living Advisor

Taking care of someone living with dementia can be overwhelming and contribute to caregiver burnout, especially if they start showing signs of paranoia. As your loved one’s symptoms become increasingly severe, in-home care or long-term memory care may be a better fit for your loved one’s unique needs.

It can be highly emotional and mentally fatiguing to consider pursuing memory care for your loved one. You don’t have to face this situation alone. There is support for family caregivers like you. Reach out to A Place for Mom’s Senior Living Advisors who can help you find care that’s a good fit for your unique situation. They can also provide advice on senior care, connect you with prospective communities, and even set up community tours for you — all at no cost to you.

Original article by Michaela Kitchen