Hallucinations And Confusion

[sandyRoe]

Years ago when my sisters son left home he left his dog with her. When she took on the role of childminder for her granddaughter she got rid of it. Now she's been repeatedly asking, 'where's the big dog?'. She seems to think it's here in this house with us.
Last night this went further. She's convinced I deliberately let it out and it's going to get knocked down and killed. There's no telling her that it was never here.
I think things will never get better for her. Is there any way of knowing how long the course of this type of illness typically runs?

[Buenchico]

This isn't something that I know much about but it occurs to me that something here might be of help to you:
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents.php?categoryID=200343
In particular, I see that the 'Get help and support' link refers to a telephone helpline and, perhaps more importantly, shows that their are several support groups (for both you and your sister) available in your area.

[sandyRoe]

I've dithered and done nothing. I suppose I need to take some sort of action, as much as for my own sake as hers.

[Sqad]

\\\\ Is there any way of knowing how long the course of this type of illness typically runs?\\\

How long is a piece of string and the answer to your question depends upon diagnosis which, although difficult in many cases can only be made by a medically qualified person.....a Psychogeriatrician.

Also remember that these symptoms can be a presenting feature of organic disease (Pernicious anaemia) or indeed the side effects of drug therapy.

Seek professional help.

[murraymints]

Sandy..you must seek medical opinion and help ...you will end up ill yourself and a bag of nerves...

[ladyalex]

Ask her GP for a home visit, Sandy.
Make sure you are there and able to give them the full picture.
There are limits to what you can do on your own and it sounds as though you have reached them.
It will be better for her too to be properly diagnosed and treated, whatever she thinks or says now.