Follow
Share

Isn't paranoia a sign of dementia? My dad has been seen by his primary doctor and a psychologist and all said he was fine even after we pointed out the problems. Yet my dad still continues to show severe paranoia toward his daughter and her family. Any advise as what to do?

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Does your dad admit that he is paranoid to his Dr.? Has the Dr. seen the actual behavior? If the Dr. hasn't seen it and your dad acts perfectly fine around the Dr. and psychologist I wouldn't think they'd be able to diagnose him with anything since they see no evidence of the behavior. Many people with Alzheimer's, at least in the beginning, are able to hide the disease in brief increments. However, scratch the surface and you'll see it. Maybe your dad just tucked the symptoms away when he was with the Dr. and psychologist.

But to answer your question, yes, paranoia can be a symptom of Alzheimer's but dementia and Alzheimer's are different which is why an evaluation is always a good idea except it sounds like your dad has already been evaluated and given a clean bill of health. You may have to wait until the symptoms become more prevalent as they most certainly will if he has Alzheimer's.

Is the paranoia new behavior or has your dad always been a little paranoid? What is his paranoia about specifically? If you could elaborate a little there's usually someone that comes along who has experienced the same thing (that's the beauty of this site).
Helpful Answer (3)
Report

As the others are pointing out 1 symptom does not provide for a diagnosis of dementia. Some dementia is treatable so it's important that you continue to educate yourself so that you can help your loved one. It seems as though the doctors didn't provide you much guidance. I suggest you complete the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE) screening test. It's very quick and is discussed in this article: Best of luck.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

Dementia itself is not a diagnose. It is just a symptom and means that person had forgetfulness/memory problems. Yes, it can be due to UTI, side affect from different meds, thyroid problems, depression, etc.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

You should check and see if there are reasons that he has these feelings. I do elder law with several clients and believe me there are ample reasons for some parents to distrust their child or children. Elder Financial Abuse is running ramped and by children or others who are close to them. Check it out there may be a good reason.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

My advice as a nurse is to have him see a psychiatrist. He could have another mental disorder rather than dementia which presents with paranoia.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

The quality and accuracy of the diagnosis is only as good as the clinicians providing it. My uncle's doctor told my cousin "your mother and father are nice people and nice people don't get dementia". That being said, paranoia is a symptom...of something. If it's a new symptom, and not a lifetime sort of "frame of mind", then it's a symptom of SOMETHING...UTI, one of the many dementias, a brain tumor, drug interaction. Was this a neuropsychologist who saw him? Most Clinincal psychologists don't have a lot of training in geriatrics or in diagnosing dementia. What does "fine" mean to the docs? Does it mean that he's not a danger to himself and others? Does it mean that he's not incompetent? Does it mean that he can take care of himself and that he doesn't need ANY care at all?
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

And P.S.: Why the daughter and her family? What's going on there?
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

It might be Lewy Body disease.... goggle it!
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Of course it is possible. Most of the time Doctors don't want to deal with it. Use your own judgement and use the internet to research the rest. If your parent of loved one does not remember things, can't understand what is happening in the short term then it is most likely onset of dementia of one form or another. As of now there is not a cure for this. There is not pill or med that will make it better. You have to learn to deal with it as best you can. You can't leave someone with dementia alone at all. Those days are over. Don't rely on a doctor for all your information on this. Research for yourself there is a lot of information out there. Good Luck.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Hospice asked my mom about five questions one being what day of the week it was she missed it. Next thing I know they tell me well the Dr. diagnosed her with dementia. As she is sitting with a chronic uti, on drugs etc.....It does not matter to me.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

See All Answers
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter