Why is my grandfather with dementia calling the goldfish “his boss”?

Grandpa’s Fishy Boss: Understanding Delusions in Dementia

When your grandfather with dementia starts calling the goldfish “his boss,” it can be both amusing and concerning. This behavior is actually quite common in people with dementia and is known as a delusion.

Delusions are false beliefs that have no basis in reality[5]. In dementia, these can stem from memory loss and confusion. Your grandfather’s brain is trying to make sense of his surroundings, but due to the changes caused by dementia, it’s coming up with some pretty creative explanations.

So why the goldfish? Well, your grandfather might be mixing up memories of his past work life with what he sees in the present. The goldfish, swimming around in its bowl, might remind him of a busy boss always on the move. Or perhaps the fish’s orange color reminds him of his old boss’s favorite tie.

It’s important to remember that these delusions feel very real to your grandfather. Arguing with him or trying to convince him otherwise might only cause frustration and distress. Instead, try to go along with it in a gentle way. You could say something like, “Oh, is the boss keeping you busy today, Grandpa?”

These delusions aren’t harmful in themselves, but they can be a sign that your grandfather’s dementia is progressing[11]. It might be a good idea to mention this new behavior to his doctor, as it could help with adjusting his care plan.

Remember, your grandfather isn’t doing this on purpose. His brain is simply trying to make sense of the world in the best way it can. Treat the situation with patience, understanding, and maybe even a bit of humor. After all, how many people can say their boss is a goldfish?