When a parent develops a false memory, even though most of the time they're coherent aside from some normal memory lapse, does that false memory ever go away?
Last year he had a false memory and it was due to a urinary infection. He eventually stopped bringing it up.
Well he just recently had another one that my mother is still alive even though she died in 2002.
Strangely both of them seem to revolve around my mother.
I told the doctor about it and they brought him in today for labs.
I'm hoping it's another infection.
But do they ever go away? The false memories?
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My mother has dementia. With her the false memories last better than the truth. I've wondered why this happens, since her short-term memory is not so good. It would be interesting to learn why confabulated stories are remembered and real events are forgotten.
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What you are calling a false memory is a delusion -- something strongly believed to be true although it is demonstrably not true. Sometimes delusions are accompanied by hallucinations (seeing something that is not there.)
Delusions and hallucinations can both accompany utis in the elderly. They are also common in some forms of dementia, and in other mental illnesses. It is wise to consult a doctor, as you are doing.
In general (and this doesn't apply in every situation) it is best not to argue with a person having delusions. Go along if possible, and be comforting and reassuring.
You might try something along the lines of ... "I miss Mother, too. I am so sorry she can't be with us now. I know she isn't living with another guy. She loves us both very much. Remember the time she ...." and redirect to talking about some real memory.
And I KNOW it can be irritating as h*ll, especially if he wants to argue with you about it. Try not to get sucked into arguments.
So, I don't think there is any way to determine.if the false memories will continue, but most of the time it doesn't really matter. Although, it may be disconcerting to the caregiver, it may not bother the patient at all. In fact, believing their mother is alive may bring them comfort. I hope your dad feels better.
A lot of government programs are suffering from budget cuts. People who are used to receiving benefits or were hoping to qualify, will have to find other means. Wish it were otherwise, but....fewer people paying taxes to support the programs...Just the way it is.
Maybe when your father's infection clears up, his rantings will go away.
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