Out of the blue, my husband's granddad said he wants nothing more to do with us. Any advice?

Definitely notify his doctor about what is going on, but realize that will be a one-way conversation. The doctor will not be able to tell you anything about granddad.

As others have explained, this behavior is extremely common in dementia, including specifically the delusion of being stolen from. The dementia will progress and this behavior may fade away. My husband's paranoia lasted a few months, and that was the hardest few months of the journey for me!

What kind of plates went missing? Dishes? Car license plate? Dentures? I suggest you (your husband, I guess) wait a bit and then say something like this: "I feel so bad that your plates are missing. That must really bother you. Will you let me help replace them?" (Don't admit taking them but don't get into an argument over that. Just be sympathetic and offer help.) You might also try something like, "It is OK for you to keep all your house keys to yourself. But I'd still like to stop by to visit a bit every day. May I just knock on your door?"

What kinds of things did your husband do when he visited? Is granddad at any risk if nobody attends to these things? If so, and this doesn't blow over soon, I think I would notify Adult Protection Services of the situation. Obviously granddad is not being abused or neglected, but he is a vulnerable adult with potentially self-harmful behaviors. They would at least investigate.

Dementia is a devastating disease not only for the person who has it but also for their loved ones. People with dementia are not safe living alone beyond the earliest stage. Having his grandson check on him daily can help extend this "safe" period for granddad, but keep in mind that as the dementia progresses that will not be enough, even if he gives your husband the key again.

Right, and the thing about delusions, is that they can get the person into trouble. They could get angry with someone who doesn't know they are ill. They can become violent or hurt themselves, if they believe they are being attacked. I'd likely try to get his doctor on board and see what could be done for his own protection.

notnicky, people with dementia can get something into their mind and continue to think about it until it becomes real. They can obsess on something they invent in their own mind. While they forget many other things, they can remember this invented thing. It may be that the granddad thought he had some plates and he couldn't find them, therefore his grandson must have stole them. He continues to think about it until it is cemented as truth in his mind. So he thinks your husband stole his plates even though it is completely illogical. I've gone through similar things with my mother inventing stories that become fact when she tells them, even though they are total fabrications.

There is not really much you can do about it but hope the false memory fades away. I know it is upsetting and your husband probably feels like his character has been attacked. I'm sorry. It is just the way of dementia very often.

When my mother has said things that cast shadows on my character, I just say, "I would never do that" and leave it. It might not clear my role as villain with her, but it makes me feel better that I took up for my own character. Sorry you guys are going through this and I hope it changes.

That's tough. I might consult with an attorney to find out what the options are, what evidence is needed, costs, etc.  If he's driving, having delusions, etc. it could be risky. But, I agree about reporting it to his doctor. Maybe, he can help.

Hi thanks for your replies...no grandad lives alone with my husband visiting every day. My husband did have a poa for health and finances but two days ago his grandad has contacted everyone his gp etc and said he doesnt want him discussing anything with him? This is just so not like him its devestating.

We're you living with granddad? If this is a sudden change in mental status, it should be reported to his doctor right away. He may be suffering from a UTI.

Does your husband have poa for health and finances?

Who has POA and or healthcare authority? Someone with dementia is not capable of making sound decisions.

This is typical of dementia.