AboutPaula Damgaard Expertise I can offer families and caregivers non-diagnostic answers to questions regarding the disease. I travel around the state giving courses on Alzheimer`s disease for nurses and CNA`s.
Experience
Past/Present clients I have coordinated Alzheimer's Clinical drug trials since 1987. I have coordinated the Memory Disorders Clinic since it's inception 1994. I also have personnal experience from caring for my mother who died of AD 5/2000 and presently from caring for my mother in law who was diagnosed in March 2000.
Expert: Paula Damgaard Date: 5/7/2008 Subject: paranoia in latter stages of Alzheimers
Question My mother is in a nursing home 5 hours away from me, rooming with her
sister who's AD is quite advanced. My mother has had the home call me 4
times in the last 7 days to tell me I must move her because people are
stealing everything, which is of course not true. This has become a source of
concern of hers which she reacts to 10 - 20 times per day, the staff tells me.
I can't believe it would be best to move her to a new facility, but I am
wondering if moving her to a different room would help or should I just ride
out this latest paranoia.
Answer Dear Gayle, there are medications that can help with this. Has anyone asked for a psych evaluation? They would be the best ones to provide the best medication for her. These medications would also help to relieve her anxiety and give her a better quality of life and for those around her.
I think this is a much better solution than trying to find a new home for her, which as you suggest is clearly not the answer.
Good luck I hope your mom finds some relief. Paula
