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rham Asked December 2010

My mom is angry and paranoid. Her accusations are hurtful. Is this the dementia?

rham Dec 2010
Thank you both! I will change my approach. Sometimes her behaviour is such a shock, I am unsure how to respond. These ideas will be helpful. Take Care!

anonymous11306 Dec 2010
Would it be possible to validate the emotional meaning between the lines of the statement without having to agree with what they said was true?

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vstefans Dec 2010
Dementia causes people not to be able to reason very well. They may become aware of a deficit or a problem, and they "know" it can't be their "fault" so a cover story is made up - not as a deliberate falsehood by any means, more like a confabulation in the neurological sense. Even though it makes no sense that a loving sister would suddenly start stealing. it seems to make more sense to the person than the idea that they misplaced the item or forgot it somewhere, because they normally don't forget and misplace important things, right? And the fact of it being hurtful to make the accusation is not even a consideration - it does not even enter the person's mind.

In general, you should not agree with it, but don't necessarily disagree - just distract and/or hint that oh, no, there is probably some other explanation. I.e. "Oh, no, we really *wanted* you to come in for your brithday cake! I wonder what we must have said that sounded the other way? Well, never mind, its here now and here you are, so let's eat!"

rham Dec 2010
She was always kind, soft spoken, loving. Now, I am afraid to talk to her. She turns everything around, miscontstrues, misunderstands. Accused my sister of stealing, and said I told her not to come in for her own birthday cake. That's just a touch of what is going on. Both of which are completely untrue. Not sure how to handle her. Do I just agree with her accusations?

anonymous11306 Dec 2010
It very well could be.

What type of person was she earlier?

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