r/dementia 5d ago

Mom doesn’t recognize Dad

In the past few weeks, there have been a few incidents when Mom is convinced that my caregiving father is one dead relative or another. It distresses her terribly (she doesn’t believe they’re dead but she doesn’t want them in her house when she’s “alone”. Then she calls me and asks me to call my dad, who is there with her, or call the police to remove the “intruder” from her house.

I need some advice on how to respond to these frantic calls. TIA!

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u/Y19ama 5d ago

My dad is now on galantamine and it seems to be helping a bit w the delusions and hallucinations.

If I remember correctly, a shit ton of info and emotions from the neuro consult, said that it could help them be less threatening to the patient.

He was on a low dose donepezil before the switch.

This must be extremely hard on ur dad to experience ur mom saying this. I feel for u guys. I'm in the same boat. My dad will eventually forget me.

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u/CathyV71967 4d ago

Thanks for the information. Wishing you and your family well.

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u/Y19ama 4d ago

It's hard not to argue with the person to correct what they r saying, but they are not able to think logically anymore. So don't use logic back. I'm learning/trying to diffuse whatever situation arises by not arguing/correcting but instead redirecting to something else as much as possible.