Mom with dementia likes to put the blame on my sister-in-law. How can we handle this?

Hi all, thanks for the suggestions. We have made an appointment with another specialist but the appointment is in early Oct.
I am working in overseas and I can feel the tension and stress at home are max when I make a short trip home. I am kind of the middle man in between them. I am very stressful especially when I receive text or call from home.
Other than "stealing", mom always bring up some sad old stories about her marriage with my father. And again, she wants to kill my father, the mistress and then commit suicide, or want to run away from home. We try to ignore and redirect her attention to something else, but she will come back to the same topic after few minutes.
It's really tough. :(

Kim, here is an excellent article that can give you some help as to what is going on with Mom and her blaming others.

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/how-to-handle-alzheimers-disease-lying-144204.htm

On a side note, have Mom checked for an Urinary Tract Infection as that can mimic other phases of dementia.

Dear Kim,

I'm so sorry to hear about what is happening with your mom. It's so tough. And your poor sister in law, I'm sure she is doing the best she can but it can't be easy. Like Barb said I would try and go back to the doctor and see if they can adjust her meds. Or maybe its time to discuss memory care.

I feel for your sister in law. I hope someone can give her some respite. And all the acknowledgement and validation she needs to know that this has nothing to do with her and all the disease.

Have you discussed these behaviors with mom's doctors? They might want to try her on some meds for agitation.

Google "Teepa Snow" and watch her videos on how to talk to dementia patients about things like "stealing".

Have your sister in law watch too. I hope the rest of your family is supportive of SIL and assures her, her kids and outsiders that it is understood that this is the dementia talking.