Paranoia in the Elderly

Memory loss is a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but neurological damage can also cause patients to make up hurtful stories and level false accusations toward their caregivers.

When dealing with the delusions and paranoia that often accompany Alzheimer's disease, caregivers commonly face accusations of theft. An experienced caregiver offers advice on how to deal with a dementia patient who believes others are stealing.

Hallucinations and delusions are troubling symptoms that can develop in the mid to late stages of PD. A spousal caregiver shares her experiences with her husband’s psychotic episodes in order to raise awareness of this little-known facet of the disease.

Shakiness, unsteady gait and freezing are the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but half of those with PD also develop hallucinations, paranoid thinking and delusions.