Thieves in the delusions of theft in patients with Alzheimer’s disease living alone: A case series

J Alzheimers Dis. 2025 May 21:13872877251343313. doi: 10.1177/13872877251343313. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study explored the phenomenology of theft delusions in four female patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) living alone, aiming to understand its psychological relevance. Caregivers participated in semi-structured interviews to assess delusion phenomenology, while patients were evaluated on their aging perceptions and life values. In three cases, the primary persecutor was a family member involved in managing finances, whereas the persecutor in the fourth patient who managed finances independently was a specific neighbor. Thieves in the delusion of theft in patients with AD living alone were likely to be persons who helped in the management of money or property.

PMID:40397385 | DOI:10.1177/13872877251343313