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Suggest Treatment For Delusional Behavior In An Elderly Person
Question: My 83 year old mother is in pretty good health. Aside from arthritis she does well considering her age. I have a question about her mental health. She has periods when she will wake up and refer to dead people as if they are living. She only does that when she first wakes up from a nap or a nights sleep. She has been doing this for about 6 months now. Not everyday...perhaps a few times a week. She will go to bed fine and then after the nap or nights sleep will wake up talking about people and things that makes no sense. When I talk to her and say you were dreaming those people are dead and you just dreamed it she will seem to remember and will be quite for 10 minutes or so and will seem to be OK. Is this normal old age?
Brief Answer:
It is not a normal condition.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Episodes of confusion are common among older people, but are not a normal feature.
Let's say that these episodes are expected to happen sooner or later as a person ages, but when they start, they herald starting of brain dysfunction such dementias.
If those episodes become cause of too much concerns, or become more frequent, you should discuss with a Neurologist about further evaluation of your mother's condition and probably treatment about postponing dementia related symptoms.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
It is not a normal condition.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Episodes of confusion are common among older people, but are not a normal feature.
Let's say that these episodes are expected to happen sooner or later as a person ages, but when they start, they herald starting of brain dysfunction such dementias.
If those episodes become cause of too much concerns, or become more frequent, you should discuss with a Neurologist about further evaluation of your mother's condition and probably treatment about postponing dementia related symptoms.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Take care.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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