What may be causing this
- Misplacing items and needing an explanation
- Hearing or vision loss
- Unfamiliar people or environments
- Delirium from infection or medication
What to try first
- Do not argue or defend; acknowledge the feeling
- Help look for the item together
- Keep duplicates of frequently 'lost' items
- Change the subject to a comforting activity
What usually makes it worse
- Proving them wrong
- Whispering in the same room
- Frequent changes of caregivers
Simple things you can do today
- Note common hiding places
- Reduce clutter so items are easier to find
- Check hearing and vision
When to call the doctor
- Accusations are new or escalating
- The person is frightened or refusing care
- Any sign of infection or delirium
When it may be an emergency
- Threats or acts of violence toward self or others
- Sudden confusion, weakness, slurred speech, or facial droop
- A fall with head injury, especially on a blood thinner
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.