Hi. My wife passed away in March of 2015. I am still close to her side of the family and will talk to her mother every couple of weeks. Today, my brother-in-law (my wife's brother) called me to tell me that my mother-in-law told him that I told her I am divorcing myself from that side of the family, no longer want to see her and am going to bars looking for a new wife. I never said anything of the sort. This is coming right out of the blue. I have always been cordial to her.
I have to admit that I limit my visits because she always talks about depressing subjects and repeats herself constantly. I know her accusing me is the dementia talking but I'm not quite sure how to handle it.
In psychology, confabulation (verb: confabulate) is a memory disturbance, defined as the production of fabricated, distorted or misinterpreted memories about oneself or the world, without the conscious intention to deceive.
Key factors in confabulations are there is no intent to deceive, second the person being unaware that the information is blatantly false.
Be aware confabulating is distinct from lying.
Confabulations are a major annoyance and can be dangerous— when we the take everything in a discussion at face value. Confabulating is very frequently observed in people with Alzheimer’s.
Confabulating is distinct from lying because there is no intent to deceive, and the person being unaware that the information is blatantly false. Carers challenge: is what they say true?
It is difficult for everyone to accept a mind is damaged by Alzheimer's Disease.
Not only is memory damaged their ability to process thoughts and conversations is impaired.
Understand the similarities between confabulation and delusions; e.g., both involve the production of unintentional false statements, both are resistant to contradictory evidence.
Recognize the difference between confabulations and delusions that are frequently observed in Alzheimer’s patients include beliefs about theft, the patient’s house not being his home, a spouse, is an impostor, belief an intruder is in the house, abandonment, spousal infidelity, and paranoia.
An aide/caregiver must understand the individual has Alzheimer's Disease, be aware of the danger, and treat the person with patience. Also, Confabulation is common.
Conversing with someone who has Alzheimer's is often like talking with your cat. Acknowledge, respond, be affectionate, develop boundless patience. Forget about rational responses.