How to explain mum's beliefs are incorrect

[ScaredyCat]

Hi, I know the basic thoughts are to go along with someone who believes something untrue is true or to distract them from it.
However, this is something I have to explain to my mum. She has one dog but thinks has 7, not all the time but alot of the time. She phones me ( I don't live near) very distressed about what's happened to them and mum's support group have told me she accuses the lady who walks her dog of killing them ( I'm very anxious that she is going to have enough and pack it in).
So I have to explain she hasn't got 7 or tell her they went somewhere nice to live but she either gets angry with me or "believes" me ( but obviously doesn't think it's true) and gets very distressed and sometimes embarrassed and ashamed.
Any ideas on how to approach this differently?

 

[Grannie G]

Your mum is delusional @ScaredyCat and may benefit from medical help. If you have a power of attorney I would consult her doctors and ask their advice.

She is obviously very distressed and anxious and even though medication can be frowned on, in her best interests, in my opinion, anything which can make life more comfortable for her is justified.

Delusions, paranoia and dementia

It is common for people with dementia to experience delusions (or strongly held false beliefs), which can also take the form of paranoia. Common delusions include theft or believing loved ones are trying to harm them.

www.alzheimers.org.uk

 

[canary]

I agree. If going along with her delusions and giving "explanations" would reassure her, then that is the way to go, but if it doesnt work and she is still anxious and distressed then she needs more. Contact her GP - if you dont have POA then the GP may not talk to you about your mum, but they can still listen.

 

[ScaredyCat]

Yes. I realise they are delusions. I've been through it very badly before when she had to go into a care home after covid and a urine infection. This is the only thing she's delusionanal about at the mo and she won't go to gpb( I have both LPAs). She's already on alzheimers meds and they won't increase. Is there something else they would consider then?

 

[canary]

You can get anti-psychotics @ScaredyCat . She might only need a short-term course to break this delusion.

 

[cairo mick]

Alzheimers meds don't stop or recede the situation they can just slow down the process.