dream / hallucinations/ argument /Help please

[Vic10]

So OH was diagnosed about 3 years ago and we have managed well with his short term memory issues etc. However this last week he seems to have had some kind of dream or hallucination he has imagined all kind of wicked things about me and my family and a party which never took place.
I know, being a follower of this forum that it is always better to agree, not to try to reason, change the subject etc. However on this occasion I am not prepared to agree to the wicked things he thinks I have done, he won’t change the subject or be distracted. I have tried everything but we seem to be stuck in this argument going round and round in circles. I am completely out of my depth and don’t know what to do. He refuses to see a doctor. Please help, is this a new symptom of Alzheimer’s? How do I help him move on?
Sorry this is written a bit quick, he won’t let me out of his sight!

 

[canary]

This is a confabulation - a sort of false memory, that the person is absolutely certain is true, because he can remember it, so you must be lying!

It can be very hard. Mum confabulated that I was stealing from her and hitting her and she told all the neighbours this too
I think under the circumstances I would be inclined to say - it didnt happen and Im not discussing it and just walk away.

 

[Beate]

If this behaviour is completely out of character, he might have an infection. Try to obtain a urine sample and have it tested for a UTI (urine tract infection).

 

[Vic10]

This is a confabulation - a sort of false memory, that the person is absolutely certain is true, because he can remember it, so you must be lying!

It can be very hard. Mum confabulated that I was stealing from her and hitting her and she told all the neighbours this too
I think under the circumstances I would be inclined to say - it didnt happen and Im not discussing it and just walk away.

 

[Vic10]

Thank you so much canary. I have googled confabulation and yes this seems to be exactly what has happened.
Can I ask In your experience is it likely to be a one off or will similar episodes be likely?
I am trying to avoid the conversation and things, although fragile, seem to be improving.
I’m so sorry you have gone through something similar, life is such a challenge!
Thank you again

 

[canary]

Once mum started confabulating it continued throughout her life, because it is a product of a damaged brain - the brain is trying to fill in the gaps where it knows there aught to be real memories.

Later on though, the confabulations did not distress her, she had had the queen come for tea, or she had been on holiday in Australia - which must have been quite pleasant . At the time when she was confabulating horrible things she was very anxious because she was desperately trying to hide her dementia. She knew there was something wrong, but was unable to comprehend that it was her (another symptom - anosognosia), so she felt it must be my fault and that was the basis for the confabulations. As the dementia progressed (and especially once she moved into her care home) the anxiety reduced and she became more settled, so the confabulations reflected that contentment.

 

[nestle]

Hello Vic10, I can understand it is truly distressing situation. The way I got round it was to say I'm sorry you see it / feel it that way but that's not how I see it . I found no amount of reasoning helped because he truly believed I was having an affair . The UK dementia helpline was also a very good resource. I hope things improve

 

[GinnyJan]

My Mum confabulates.. The other day she said that Hitler had been in the shop she worked at (she's 91) and that, though he was very polite, she didn't like him one bit
We regularly watch 'easily understood' tv, like Supervet or Come Dine With Me. She can understand what's going on but then thinks it's her dog who just had an operation, or, in the case of foody programmes, she'll say that she doesn't want the meal that I've just cooked cos she's been eating all evening!

It's frustrating but can be amusing sometimes too. Mostly I've got my husband to not question what she says (it upsets or annoys her) and I try to explain that, actually she didn't like the food she was given so she needs to eat what I've cooked.

Life isn't easy and I was warned that I really shouldn't have my Mum come to live with us (my husband has Alzheimer's too) but OH and Mum get on really well and it can be a help sometimes, especially if I'm busy - Mum and OH sit in a room and chat while I get on with something else. Maybe it won't last, but I make the most of it while I can

 

[Spamar]

Hi, we used to visit my cousin regularly and for several years his mil lived with them. She had dementia, not sure what sort. But while we were there, she and OH interacted really well, you wouldn’t know either of them had anything wrong. And cousins mil didn’t aggravate her daughter so much when we were there, either. We really didn’t know what was going on, but were grateful for it!

 

[Vic10]

Thank you all for your replies.
It’s such a comfort to know the support is there.
We not sorted yet but things are a bit better...walking on eggshells!
Hoping each day will improve

 

[Amy in the US]

If it is a delusion (a false, fixed belief) rather than confabulation (where bits and pieces of memories and reality and dreams and made up stuff are put together), and a paranoid delusion at that, it can be harder to deal with.

Both delusions and confabulation are common with different types of dementia, yes.

Sometimes a validation, reassurance, distraction method can work but with the paranoia and accusations, that can be much harder, especially when the accusations are against the primary live in carer.

If this is a sudden change and out of character for usual behaviour (and you know best what is usual), then I would always rule out an underlying medical issue, before assuming it's just the dementia or a progression of the dementia. Any kind of illness, even a cold, can cause behavior changes. Infection is especially a problem and there can be infection, especially urinary tract, without symptoms like fever, pain on urination and so on. Common issues that can cause problems are dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, constipation, infection, medication issues, blood pressure issues, and a stroke or TIA.

This is a difficult situation with no easy answers and I'm sorry. I hope you're able to find a way forward and best wishes.

 

[Mum mo]

Hi, I had a similar situation over new year where him indoors had three days of visions etc. and no sleep, it was horrendous. It turned out to be a chest infection and antibiotics were given. The strange thing is that since he got better his usual patterns of behaviour have also got much better, it's as if that part of him has burnt out. He doesn't go on about his parents, money and numerous other things that he would talk or ask about constantly. He's much less anxious too. I hope it's not the calm before the storm and making the most of it. I do hope things improve for you too.

 

[Floundering]

I have this all the time. My oh has had dementia for about 8 years. Latest stories are he has been to the moon in a rocket and came back on the same one. Also he has lived in every house he sees on the tv and knows everyone personally on the tv. Started really liking the ladies now also. Has me waiting around like a spare part whilst he lets everyone through before him when holding a door open. Know this is a really kind thing really but sometimes it can make us late for things! Also I am beginning to find it very embarrassing as he makes a bee line for the ladies whether we know them or not. Just have to walk away and not say anything. Also you must never correct what they say even if it is ridiculous. The only time I interject is if we are talking to medics.
It's hard but no choice.

 

[Chrissie B]

So OH was diagnosed about 3 years ago and we have managed well with his short term memory issues etc. However this last week he seems to have had some kind of dream or hallucination he has imagined all kind of wicked things about me and my family and a party which never took place.
I know, being a follower of this forum that it is always better to agree, not to try to reason, change the subject etc. However on this occasion I am not prepared to agree to the wicked things he thinks I have done, he won’t change the subject or be distracted. I have tried everything but we seem to be stuck in this argument going round and round in circles. I am completely out of my depth and don’t know what to do. He refuses to see a doctor. Please help, is this a new symptom of Alzheimer’s? How do I help him move on?
Sorry this is written a bit quick, he won’t let me out of his sight!

I'm with Vic10 here, there are times when there is no choice but correct. My mother wants to go home because she thinks she is in someone else's house, or she feels that her carer is actually burglar who want to kill her, so I should ring the police right away. Doesn't matter how bad the memory is, it's ironic how when latching onto a paranoia subject it can be kept going for over an hour. Sometimes walking out of the room and coming back in again from a different direction can make her move her head to re-focus, so that distraction can take place. Sometimes explaining it was a dream can work, but not always.

 

[Lottiechops]

Hi there, yes definitely get urine checked. Dad was always talking about parties going on downstairs or in his bedroom. I think 'parties are quite common. I have no idea why though!

 

[Vic10]

Finally I have the opportunity to respond / update.
Thank you all for your replies,
I did finally manage to get a urine sample and I was convinced that would be the problem but no, there was no problem, I couldn’t believe it!
Here we are now 26 days on and the accusations are still going on, no distraction works. We go out or do some jobs or look at photos and we are ok then as soon as we stop he starts again.
He has made terrible accusations against my brother, I have had to tell him not to visit or phone as OH has threatened violence!
I have a doctors appointment next week, I don’t know if he will come with me, I hope he will. I hope the doctor will be able to help me deal with this

 

[canary]

OK, youve ruled out an infection, so this is the dementia.
Make sure you tell the doctor what is going on. You cant let the confabulations spill over into aggression or violence. He may well need some medication to reduce the anxiety and/or the paranoia.

 

[Caza Lincoln]

A cautionary note from recent experience. My OH suffered from occasional delusions/ confabulations before his formal diagnosis and starting to take Donepezil. Since the Donepezil kicked in (Dec 2017) he's been absolutely fine (I know how lucky we are there). Then a few weeks ago he had a heart attack. He was fine mentally when admitted to hospital, then began to have serious delusions/didn't know where he was/wanted to go home NOW etc. A chest infection was diagnosed and once the antibiotics took effect, he was fine again. Then just as he was considered ready to be discharged, his delusions/confabulations started again and I didn't know if I could cope with him at home. Tests were done and he was found to have a urinary tract infection. Once again, he was fine the following day when the drugs started to work: he came home and is making a very good recovery. The 'moral' of this tale is to make sure tests are done for infections before despairing.

 

[canary]

Hello @Caza Lincoln and welcome to Talking Point

You are right, infections cause absolute havoc with people who have dementia and a sudden increase in symptoms should always mean to look for infection.