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When someone has dementia, we say their brain is “broken”. They firmly believe that what they see or hear is really happening because in their broken brain, it really is. It would be like someone telling you the sky is not blue, it’s green.
You say in your profile that Mom still lives on her own. Good for her, but as she goes further along on this dementia journey, she will need more and more supervision. The stove can accidentally be left on. She might wake up one night and decide she’s in a strange place and wander out. You may want to start considering future plans for her.
You also mention your own stresses. It’s no shame to seek therapeutic support. Many of us have.
You may have noticed that trying to explain away her delusion doesn’t work.
I went along if it wasn't important - I listened to what DH had to say. If he was worried, I tried to dissuade him from the delusion; like he thought people were walking in and out of the house all the time. But I also told him that if he saw dead people walking around, they wouldn't hurt him. He came from a very large family and I expected someone to come to see him.
Just keep your loved one as calm as you can. Calm is more important that worrying about the delusion.
Other delusions can be taken in stride.
Ask what the people in the corner are saying...if it is harmless then go along with it.
If the people in the corner are threatening then you need to address the situation. If they are having a party and it is a happy occasion ask for a piece of cake.
If the cat talking to her is telling funny stories or making her smile, ask what the joke is.
If she thinks you are trying to poison her or you are an intruder and she comes at you with a knife you need to act immediately.
If the delusion is one that harms nobody then go along but if it starts to be something that causes a rise in BP then it should be gently stopped - it helps if you were at the original incident & can say that isn't how you remember it - save your breathe for when you really need it
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