myALZteam

This is such a hard situation, and it's completely understandable to feel frustrated. The difficult truth is that with Alzheimer's, the brain genuinely creates a different reality — so what feels untrue to you feels completely real to them. Trying to correct or convince them often leads to more conflict, not less. Here are Show Full Answer

This is such a hard situation, and it's completely understandable to feel frustrated. The difficult truth is that with Alzheimer's, the brain genuinely creates a different reality — so what feels untrue to you feels completely real to them. Trying to correct or convince them often leads to more conflict, not less. Here are some approaches that may help:

- Don't argue or correct directly — this rarely works and can increase agitation for everyone
- Validate their feelings — acknowledge that you hear them, even if the content isn't accurate
- Gently redirect — steer the conversation toward something they enjoy, like music, photos, or a favorite activity
- Stay calm — a calm tone can help de-escalate the situation before it grows

One myALZteam member shared that simply agreeing rather than disagreeing made a big difference in reducing conflict. If the calls are becoming a recurring problem, it may help to speak with their doctor. Sometimes these behaviors are connected to something treatable, like a medication side effect. A doctor may also suggest strategies or medications to help manage the behavior.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

Is Paranoia a Sign of Dementia? Delusions and More

Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Hallucination: 7 Ways To Respond