Symptoms of Alzheimer's | Senior Living Link

Donna Mae Scheib

Symptoms of Alzheimer's

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on February 14, 2017

Symptoms of Alzheimer’s

Hallucinations, Delusions, and Paranoia

Patients with Alzheimer’s disease, especially in the advanced stages, often exhibit major psychiatric symptoms: hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia with 90% developing one or more of these symptoms during the progression of the disease. Caregivers can understand more about these symptoms and how to deal with any agitation, fear, anxiety, and aggression that often accompanies one or more of these symptoms.

The first step is understanding more about the symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

Hallucinations – Hallucinations are sensory experiences, whether visual, auditory, and/or tactile, that someone experiences when they are awake. Hallucinations are characterized by a false perception of something the person sees, hears, or feels, but it is not there.

Delusions

Delusions are false beliefs that are not based on reality and usually caused by a faulty memory, ill-logic, and declining cognitive function. The person often blames caregivers for infidelity and theft. Although not grounded in reality, the situation is very real to the person.

Paranoia

Paranoia is a way a person projects hostility and frustration onto any caregivers and medical personnel. Paranoia centers around being suspicious of any number of things.

How can caregivers cope with these symptoms?

  • Calm the situation, reassure, and try not to be defensive

One important consideration is to not try to aggravate the individual. You can do this by calming the situation that may be frightening or disruptive and reaffirm what they are experiencing.

For example, you could say, “I know that you are scared. You say that ____. I would be scared, too.” You can also reassure the individual that you will stay with them until they are safe or that you will do such and such.

Realize the disease is causing these behaviors. Try not to become defensive by arguing or convincing at all costs; merely listen to what the person is saying. Try to empathize with them and let the person know you care. Use a gentle voice with simple short statements that acknowledge their feelings and perceptions.

  • Recognize that the world is confusing to the individual and diffuse the situation

It is important to recognize that the elderly individual is living in a world that often does not make sense to them. Don’t respond by telling them that what they are experiencing is not true and try not to take the accusations personally. Try to diffuse the situation. If an item is missing, tell them you will look for it or you will notify so and so. Or you might consider having a spare set of the items that are generally misplaced/lost and bring those out at this time. For example, if the individual is always looking for a key or wallet, have another key made or purchase two wallets of the same kind.

  • Distract and redirect

Distracting them is often helpful. You could say, “Before we look for such and such, let’s go and do ___” or “Can you help me with such and such?” It is also important to know that the elderly person may often feel they are alone or they feel that they will be left alone. Again, it is important to assure them that you love them and you will always be there for them.

  • Seek medical help

If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, especially if they are severe and troubling or there is a strong possibility of self-harm or caregiver harm, it is important to see a doctor. A doctor specializing in gerontology would be a welcome addition.

Sometimes the present medicines (prescriptions and over the counter) need to be adjusted. Other times, a medicine may need to be added (i.e., example, anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic medicines have been known to help in some cases).  These medicines may be adjusted and/or prescribed to address the symptoms that a caretaker reports to the doctor about what an elderly person is experiencing and when. Remember, it is important to discuss the benefits and risks of any medicines.

Doctors can also look at eyesight or hearing problems and a multitude of physical problems (such as dehydration, kidney or bladder infections).

In summary

Patients with Alzheimer’s disease, especially in more advanced stages, often experience one or more psychiatric symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia. It is important for caregivers to understand these symptoms so they can better know how to cope and deal with any behavior manifestations of a patient. In turn, the patient can be more reassured and feel safe and cared for.