| A conversation like this one is often heard in | | | | and it isn’t there, they aren’t going to |
| nursing homes: “She took my sweater! She | | | | remember why it’s not there. Therefore, |
| stole it! I saw her!” | | | | someone stealing it is the logical conclusion. |
| Sometimes they're accusing other nursing home | | | | This paranoia about things getting stolen could be |
| residents, and other times they're accusing staff | | | | considered just one of the frustrating traits |
| members. | | | | developed by those with failing memories if it |
| People with dementia often get paranoid about | | | | weren’t for the disturbing fact that |
| people taking things. There’s a reason for | | | | sometimes they are right. Sometimes, people are |
| some of it. They feel vulnerable, especially in the | | | | stealing from them, thinking they can get away |
| stages where they remember that they | | | | with it since the person has a failing memory. And |
| can’t remember. If they want to put on a | | | | the person with dementia is rarely believed. |
| sweater that is always hanging in a certain place, | | | | |