Dementia can cause people to believe things that aren’t true, including the idea that others are stealing their food. This is a common issue many families face when caring for someone with dementia.
There are a few reasons why your mother might think her food is being stolen:
Memory problems make it hard to remember eating. Your mother may eat a meal but then forget she ate it. When she doesn’t see the food later, she assumes someone took it.
Confusion about time can be an issue. Your mother might think it’s mealtime when it isn’t. If there’s no food ready, she may believe it was stolen.
Paranoia and suspicion are common dementia symptoms. The disease can make people distrustful, even of family and caregivers. This can lead to accusations of theft.
Changes in taste or appetite might make food seem different or unappetizing. If your mother doesn’t recognize or want to eat her food, she may think it’s not hers.
Misplacing items is another common problem. Your mother might put food somewhere unusual and then not be able to find it.
To help with this situation, try keeping a routine for meals and snacks. Use a whiteboard to write down when she last ate. Store food in clear containers so it’s easy to see. Offer frequent small meals or snacks to prevent hunger. Most importantly, stay calm and don’t argue when she makes accusations. Instead, validate her feelings and gently redirect her attention.
Remember, your mother isn’t trying to be difficult. Her brain is changing, affecting how she perceives the world. With patience and understanding, you can help her feel more secure about her food and reduce her distress.
