Their brain can’t make sense of what’s happening and has created an alternate version of reality to compensate.Ĩ ways to deal with false dementia accusations These dementia accusations can be extremely hurtful to hear, but it’s important to remember that they’re not personal attacks against you. When you prevent them from wandering and getting lost, they think they’re being kept prisoner. When they can’t find something they’ve misplaced, their brain leads them to believe that someone stole from them. That’s why many seniors with dementia feel like people are stealing from them or mistreating them. Those feelings, plus memory loss and confusion, can easily lead to paranoia. People with dementia often feel anxiety, frustration, and a sense of loss.
Their minds are trying to make sense of the world while their cognitive abilities are declining. Their accusations may sound crazy, but the situation is very real to your older adult.
Why seniors with dementia make false dementia accusations