Dementure

[kia cat]

Going on from my previous Q [...Health-and-Fitness/Question1231384.html] The current major problem is that my Mum is seeing her reflection in the mirror as a real person [i.e. someone else] . It's got to the stage, where no amount of coaxing her that it's just a reflection is helping. She leaves tea and biscuits for her.

Because she believes it's someone else - who dresses the same, borrows her clothes, follows her [etc] she's now covering the mirrors up. At least this is safer than her smashing them. Any ideas? The Nursing team have told her to ignore it, but the person is now starting to appear [ie not just in the mirror]. Any tips for a way forward with this? Thanks

[Connemmara]

Hi Kia - well my friend's brother took dementia age 58 now is about 64 - and indeed cracks up when he looks in the mirror- the wife has now removed all mirrors. He was a kind person but now in the stages of aggression but the wife is still looking after him. I believe he just does what she tells him to do - I am sorry I could not give you any more help except re the mirrors.

[pixie373]

Yes. It's perfectly normal for someone with dementia to do that. You need to just take the mirror down and replace with a picture.

[ladyalex]

Has your Mum seen an Old Age Psychiatry specialist ?
If not, ask your GP for a referral.
When you say the Nursing Team, are they Mental Health Nurses ?
Again, if not, ask if your Mum can be referred to one.
If she is already being seen, make sure that the Doctor knows about this behaviour as well as the nurses.
It is not unusual for people with dementia to see people who are not there and medication can be very helpful.
I hope you can get some help with this as your situation is very hard to cope with.