What to do about extreme paranoia?
My wife is 75 and according to her neurologist has advanced dementia. I have a live-in caregiver who is great with Lisette, and most of the time Lisette is really glad the caregiver is here. Lisette is able to do most things with help, but can't read or write any longer and has trouble with vocabulary. She has had intermittent paranoid delusions for a couple of years, but they usually haven't lasted long. Over the past couple of months they have become more frequent and last for a few hours at a time. Sometimes she thinks I am going to kill her or run off with someone. Sometimes she thinks the caregiver is going to kill her. Sometimes she thinks a stranger is going to kill her. If her delusions were harmless I would humor her, but while they last she is scared to death, and it makes it hard for me and the caregiver to take care of her. Finally, she has been in a delusion since yesterday morning afraid that she has a stalker who is going to kill her. She spent much of today in bed with the lights out so no one could see her. Any suggestions?
4 Answers
Popular Questions
Related Questions
- My dad has passed my mum still alive with Alzheimer's and dementia. My sister and I are executors and trustees of the wills.
- Can my uncle (99) forget how to eat to the point of dying?
- I am finding it difficult to get rid of my Mom's dog.
- Where can I find help to clear my mother's apartment in Washington, DC?
These things pass. This is a particularly hard thing to go through. It is sad that you are having to go through it. If you need support we are always here. Many people here have been through these things, so will understand how you are feeling. Delusions can be tough things to handle.