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myALZteam

What you're describing sounds really challenging — and you're not alone in experiencing this.

Suspicion, distrust of doctors, and believing others are moving or hiding things are actually very common in Alzheimer's. This is sometimes called paranoia or delusional thinking, and it's a recognized part of how the condition Show Full Answer

What you're describing sounds really challenging — and you're not alone in experiencing this.

Suspicion, distrust of doctors, and believing others are moving or hiding things are actually very common in Alzheimer's. This is sometimes called paranoia or delusional thinking, and it's a recognized part of how the condition can affect the brain.

Here are a few things that may help:

- Stay calm and don't argue — trying to correct her can make things worse
- Validate her feelings without confirming the false belief (e.g., "I can see you're upset, let's look together")
- Keep routines consistent — familiarity can reduce anxiety
- Reduce clutter so items are easier to find
- Keep a spare of commonly "lost" items if possible

One myALZteam member shared that simply saying "let me help you find it" instead of "no one moved it" made a big difference in keeping the peace.

Letting her doctor know about these behaviors is really important, even if she resists going. Sometimes there are ways to help manage these symptoms, and the doctor can also give you guidance on how to approach her care.

You're doing a great job by seeking support. This is genuinely hard.

 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.

Caregiving and Disease Management for Alzheimer’s Disease