ZARDA

Join us for our next Introduction to Dementia Care Course on Thursday 28th May, 2026 from 8.30am to 3.30pm. The cost is $40.00. You will receive a Certificate of Attendance on completion of the course

Following our announcement during the closing ceremony of the conference, we are proud to share that our next global conference in 2028 will be held in the vibrant and historic city of New Delhi, India, from 8-10 March.

Hosted in collaboration with ADI Member, Alzheimer’s & Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI) the conference will reconvene our global network of associations, researchers, lived experience experts and policy makers to discuss the forthcoming advancements in dementia treatment, care and support across the world.

ADI & ARDSI look forward to welcoming you in 2028.

‘I don’t know you. You’re stealing from me. I want to go home.'

Delusions can be one of the most challenging symptoms of dementia. They often appear as paranoia, false accusations, or a belief that familiar people or places have changed.

As dementia progresses, the brain can struggle to link memories, information and context correctly. This can lead to misunderstandings, misinterpretations and false conclusions.

Sensory changes (like reduced hearing or vision), medication effects, loneliness and unfamiliar environments can also increase the risk.

You can support someone experiencing delusions by:
- Acknowledging their feelings
- Avoiding arguing or correcting
- Gently exploring what might be behind the belief
- Offering reassurance and a calm presence
- Helping look for misplaced items if theft is suspected
- Remembering that their accusations aren't personal

Understanding why delusions occur can make it easier to respond with patience and empathy 💙

[Image description: An infographic titled 'Delusions and paranoia in dementia can look like' features seven illustrations depicting the following text: Believing their home isn’t their home; Suspecting someone; is stealing from them; Feeling watched; Believing their partner is being unfaithful; Feeling people are conspiring against them; Thinking people want to poison them; and Believing a loved one is an imposter An Alzheimer's Society logo is positioned in the bottom right corner of the graphic.]