Dementia Answers: How to Respond to Paranoia
- Team Writer
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
Video Transcript [Answer 1127]
Welcome and thank you for joining me. Today we will talk about how to respond to paranoia in people living with Dementia.
What is paranoia?
Paranoia means that a person believes something is happening that is not real. For example, they may think someone is stealing from them, hiding things, or trying to harm them. These feelings can be very real and scary to the person even if they are not true.
Why does paranoia happen?
As Dementia changes the brain, memory, thinking and judgment can be affected. When someone forgets where they put something, they may believe it has been stolen. When they feel confused, they may think people are against them. These are symptoms of the underlying syndrome of Dementia, not signs of bad character.
How should you respond?
First, stay calm and gentle. Do not argue or try to prove them wrong, as this often makes the situation worse. Instead, listen and show understanding. You might say, "I can see you're upset. Let's look for your wallet, together." This builds trust and reduces fear.
Second, offer comfort and reassurance. A soft tone of voice, a gentle touch on the hand, or simply sitting nearby can make them feel safer.
Third, try to reduce possible triggers. Keep important items like glasses, keys, or purses in the same spot each day. Good lighting and a quiet environment can also help lessen confusion.
Finally, if paranoia happens often, share your observations with a healthcare provider. They may suggest treatments, strategies, or support to make life easier for both the person with Dementia and their caregivers. Remember, patience and kindness are the most powerful tools you can use.
On behalf of the Dementia Society of America®, thank you again for joining me today. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of yourself.
Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.
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