Follow
Share
Find Care & Housing
Because paranoia about our "stuff" and the fear of "loss of our stuff" is about the strongest emotion we have left as our mind leaves out the nearest exit door. I always say two of the strongest paths in the brain are the ones governing fear of loss of our STUFF, and fear of loss of continence.
It's almost an INSTINCT, if you think about it. Having our stuff safe is something our very lives depended upon for our entire lives. Even for our homeless, the thing they say keeps them from taking shelter when able, is fear of loss of their stuff, all arranged in their stolen shopping cart. The last thing on earth they have--their stuff.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

How old is your Dad? If he's elderly, then most likely this is dementia but he could benefit from an exam for other causes to this cognitive/behavioral problem. If he gets a diagnosis of dementia, then his PoA can become active. From what you describe (the negativity, paranoia) he would be in moderate dementia already.

Now you are the only one who can change. If he has dementia (and not a pre-existing mental health disorder) then he is losing his ability to use reason and logic, and therefore judgment; he's losing his ability to have empathy for others; his short-term memory; his sense of time and space; and his inhibitions so that his filter is mostly gone. What he says and does are now things he is no longer in control of himself so you will need to learn strategies to have better interactions with him.

But first he would need a diagnosis.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Geaton777
Report
Tbays4 Jan 18, 2025
99 years old. Lives in own house. Can feed and dress himself. Can make some own meals. Never think there was anything wrong until these delusions surface. Does have trouble sleeping and is on antipsycotic.
(1)
Report
See 1 more reply
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter