Delusions

Guide On

Symptoms Management

Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
Delusions

Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia

For some people with dementia, the misinterpretation of information from their senses can lead them to have false beliefs and delusions. It can be hard for them to differentiate between what is real and what is not true. This can be both very distressing for the person with dementia and the people around them.

Some of the common delusions are:

Delusion of theft: This makes them believe that their item has been stolen when most likely they have misplaced or left it behind somewhere else
Delusional jealousy: Delusion to believe that their partner is having an affair
Delusion of not being home: Sometimes they can’t recognize their own home and insists that they are not home.

Care tips

Try to find out what caused the delusion and if possible prevent it from happening again. If they loose their glasses and are accusing someone of stealing them. Place their glasses in a previously agreed, obvious place.

Prepare a few of the same item that is often being searched for. Eg. If the person with delusion is always looking for his wallet, purchase two of the same kind.

Allow the person with delusion to express himself or herself freely. Don’t take offence, listen to what is troubling them and try to provide reassurance and explanations. Sympathy and nodding will reassure the person with dementia.

Involve them in doing something that they enjoy to distract them.

Sometimes all you need to do is sit and listen to them. You may not need to respond and take an action. The key is to listen and not to react negatively.