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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Abnormal Behaviour In An Elderly?

My 80 year old Mother in law recently started carrying a doll around with her, she talks to the doll, asks the doll if she is sleeping, talks about how the doll is breathing and changes the dolls cloths. My Mother in law says she knows that it is a doll, but has been observed treating it as if it were a child. Is this normal?
Thu, 29 Jan 2015
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Geriatrics Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows.
1. No, it is not normal.
2. She is possibly having dementia with associated delusions. Her memory must already be worse and her personal care maybe poor.
3. She will require medications to improve dementia like Donezepil hydrochloride. For delusions, psychiatrist evaluation is necessary.
4. Caretaker all around the clock is necessary to take care of her medications, diet and personal care. Involvement in family and social activities is essential as it will slow deterioration of cognition.
Meet your doctor at earliest for medications and referral to psychiatrist.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
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What Causes Abnormal Behaviour In An Elderly?

Hi, Thanks for asking. Based on your query, my opinion is as follows. 1. No, it is not normal. 2. She is possibly having dementia with associated delusions. Her memory must already be worse and her personal care maybe poor. 3. She will require medications to improve dementia like Donezepil hydrochloride. For delusions, psychiatrist evaluation is necessary. 4. Caretaker all around the clock is necessary to take care of her medications, diet and personal care. Involvement in family and social activities is essential as it will slow deterioration of cognition. Meet your doctor at earliest for medications and referral to psychiatrist. Hope it helps. Any further queries, happy to help again.