The paranoia and suspicion of a person with Alzheimer's can be one of the most difficult behaviors for their caregiver to handle. As the Alzheimer's develops and targets your loved ones memory, they'll gradually become more confused and perceive things they would have once though normal, in new ways.
It is not only their inability to not remember certain people, places and things that causes paranoia, but also the fact that they can't remember themselves as well. This combination can create a frightening environment for your loved one and they're bound to grow paranoid and suspicions of seemingly regular activity.
People with Alzheimer's will often confront their loved ones, accusing them of theft, improper behavior or even infidelity. They may be misinterpreting what they are seeing or hearing. It is often the case that their feelings have come up from the past and are causing them to now feel this way again.
An Alzheimer's patient confuses people, events and times and can associate an event with the wrong person. For example, maybe their ex-husband had an affair so now they believe their current spouse is doing the same.
It's easy to become offended by your loved one's paranoia or suspicious. But don't take it personally. Try to listen carefully to what they are saying, and put your self in their shoes: They don't mean any of this, but they certainly feel it and believe it to be true.
Don't argue or try to convince them that they're wrong, just let them know that you care about what they're feeling and are very sorry that they're feeling that way. Let your loved one express their ideas and acknowledge their opinions before offering a simple answer. Keep your response short and easy to understand.
You an take their mind off their suspicions by suggesting a different activity that focuses on keeping them occupied. You might even think about buying them two of each item that they often lose, such as a handbag or wallet. This will help keep them from being suspicious that you stole it.
For instance, if they tend to lose their handbag or wallet, buy two that are exactly the same so that they won't be suspicious that you stole it. Paranoia and suspicion will often pass, but it's important to keep your cool and remain understanding. The more worked up your loved one gets the more paranoid they become.
