Open Question
Psychiatry question... Delusional? Paranoid? Alzheimer's?
I have a question about what the diagnosis would be for the following: My father, who has early stages of Alzheimer's, also has something else on top of that, I suspect. He thinks he hears and sees people he knew in the past, when there's no possibility that it could be them. Example: he thought he saw his brother in Boston, when the brother lives way out west, in Wyoming. He also thought he heard one of his sisters calling his name outside his window. "But by the time I got there, she was gone," he said. Same scenario. His whole family lives all the way across the country. On top of that, they all think he is dead! He deserted the family decades ago. He also claims to have heard my voice on the radio in a bar. I live a state away, so this is not a possibility. What do you call this?? Is it dementia? Paranoia? Delusional something or other? Brain damage from a stroke he suffered years ago? Please give me reliable resources in answering this, and state if you are a medical professional! P.S. I am writing a book on my dad and Alzheimer's. If you give me useful, accurate information, I will give you credit in the book!Thanks in advance....
Asked by Holly time:2011-05-11 05:09:13
answers (2)
Look for a psychologist that will see her on a sliding scale fee. They will base what she pays on how many people are in her house hold and how much money she makes. They will also prescribe her medications that will cost her next to nothing. Regardless of her money situation and lack of insurance there are still ways for her to be seen. She really needs to be seen. You don't deserve the way she is treating you and I strongly commend you for being there for her despite her nasty behavior.
answer: Baby Doll time: 1970-01-09 03:00:03The inevitable is going to happen and there really isn't much you can do to help her. The good thing is that after she crash and burns, change will be in the air, she will then be able to re-focus and start anew... sometimes the very worst needs to happen in order for us to find a new appreciation for life, what doesn't kill her will make her stronger. I don't blame you for having such a hard time watching her slow motion train wreck; it's always difficult to watch someone you care for self destruct, but you have already went above and beyond what most friends would do, it's time to hang back and stop trying to help her...you're only delaying the inevitable, it's time to let go and let her find her own way.
answer: Connie D time: 1970-01-07 05:00:51