Caregivers and relatives of the elderly can find that as their loved ones and patients age, they begin to show symptoms of senior paranoia. This can be concerning and heart wrenching.
Symptoms of senior paranoia can include:
- Believing there is someone breaking into the home when it is obviously not true
- Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
- Bizarre thoughts and speech
Psychosis in the later years doesn’t necessarily mean that a parent has dementia. Senior paranoia can be caused by:
- Medication side effects or abuse of alcohol or other drugs
- Physical problems with the liver, kidneys, thyroid or neurological system
- Mood disorders and depression
- Delirium and dementia (40% of the cases)
Ask yourself the following questions:
Can my loved one still manage their daily tasks and look after themselves? Do they forget to turn the stove off, do they leave their doors open or invite strangers into their homes? Do they fall or complain of pain quite often? Are they able to take prescribed medication properly without forgetting doses or abusing the medication?
If you notice any of the above you will need help from a medical professional to deal with any physical or mental problems caused by senior paranoia. Talk to their doctor first and ask that they look for any underlying medical conditions that could be the cause of their behavior. There are also organizations that help with referrals for families that are dealing with the support of aging seniors.
For more information and the full article, read 6 Causes of Paranoia in Aging & What to do.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. If you have any questions or are considering any recommendations, please consult your health practitioner.
