Why is my aunt with dementia screaming that someone stole her childhood home?

Your aunt with dementia is likely experiencing a distressing hallucination or delusion related to her childhood home. This is a common occurrence in people with dementia, especially as the disease progresses.

Dementia causes changes in the brain that can lead to confusion, memory loss, and altered perceptions of reality. Your aunt may be reliving memories from her past, but her mind is mixing them up with the present. She might genuinely believe that her childhood home has been stolen, even though this isn’t actually happening.

These hallucinations can feel very real and scary to the person experiencing them. Your aunt may be feeling a sense of loss or insecurity, and her mind is expressing those feelings through this false belief about her childhood home.

It’s important to respond with patience and compassion. Don’t argue with her or try to convince her she’s wrong, as this could increase her distress. Instead, validate her feelings and offer reassurance. You might say something like, “I can see you’re upset. You must have loved that home very much. You’re safe here with us now.”

Try to redirect her attention to something pleasant, like looking at old family photos or talking about happy memories. This can help shift her focus away from the distressing thoughts.

If these hallucinations become frequent or severely disruptive, it’s a good idea to consult with her doctor. They may be able to adjust her treatment plan or offer additional support strategies.

Remember, your aunt isn’t choosing to behave this way. Her outbursts are a symptom of her condition, not a reflection of her true self. With patience and understanding, you can help her feel more secure and comfortable.