Living Well with Alzheimer’s: Compassion, Care and Understanding

Alzheimer’s Disease, as often portrayed in books and shows, usually begins with subtle memory lapses, increased confusion, and changes in mood and personality. As the disease progresses, disorientation and fear can grow. The loss of precious memories — the ones that stitch our lives together, shape who we are, and connect us to those we love — is a painful reality for those living with Alzheimer’s. They must confront this reality daily, and perhaps the most heart-wrenching question is:

What if one day, I can no longer remember the face of someone I love?

It’s a frightening disease. It affects memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks. Though often used interchangeably with ‘dementia,’ Alzheimer’s is specifically a progressive brain disorder that gradually makes independent daily life more challenging. Understanding what Alzheimer’s is helps us recognise why these early changes in memory, thinking, and behaviour are so important to notice.

Recognising the Signs

Alzheimer’s usually creeps in quietly, so the early signs can be easy to miss. Some things to look out for include: 

• Forgetting recent conversations or events 

• Struggling with everyday planning or problem-solving 

• Feeling confused even in familiar places 

• Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps 

• Withdrawing from social activities 

• Changes in mood and personality 

If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, don’t brush them aside. Early recognition not only opens the door to timely care, but it also helps families prepare and adjust with understanding. 

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Where to Begin 

Noticing the early signs is just the first step. Visiting a polyclinic or GP for an initial assessment can help ease some of the confusion, constant guessing, and worry that often come with uncertainty. From there, you can begin receiving guidance, support, and answers. You don’t have to navigate this alone.  

Support often comes from a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including doctors, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers. The type of support may change over time, but the goal remains the same: to ensure that every step of the journey is guided with understanding, compassion, and care.

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The Role of a Psychologist

As psychologists, we’re here to walk alongside you and your loved ones at every stage of Alzheimer’s. We help you make sense of memory changes and cognitive challenges. We also support assessment and diagnosis, so you can better understand what is happening. 

As the disease progresses, we offer psychological support, practical strategies to manage daily challenges, and guidance for caregivers on how to maintain emotional connection and understanding. We want to help you and your loved ones feel supported, empowered, and able to focus on meaningful moments together. 

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Simple Steps for Daily Life

Small, simple strategies can make a big difference for both those living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers. Some ideas include: 

• Keep a consistent routine. Simple schedules help reduce confusion and give the individual a sense of security and grounding.  

• Label and organise spaces. Clear labels on doors, drawers, or cupboards make it easier to find things and maintain independence. 

• Use memory tools. Calendars, notebooks, and phone reminders can support memory and help track appointments or daily tasks. 

• Break tasks into small steps. Doing things step by step, rather than all at once, can make activities more manageable and less frustrating. 

These little steps can help maintain independence, ease stress, and create space for meaningful moments of connection and joy.  

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Life Beyond the Diagnosis

We know that the diagnosis can feel like the end. It’s a difficult reality to confront – individuals and their families are often wracked with feelings of fear, hopelessness, and devastation. We want to remind you that even though it hurts deeply, life is still worth living. Alzheimer’s doesn’t define who you are – the life you’ve lived and continue to live still matter.  

To the caregivers who work tirelessly, we see you. We know that you’re scared, exhausted, and might even feel like you cannot go on. Yet, your love, patience, and dedication make a world of difference. You are not alone, and it is okay to seek support and care for yourself too.  

Behind every person with Alzheimer’s is a life full of moments still worth celebrating. A diagnosis does not erase dignity, love, or hope. With understanding and support, living well with Alzheimer’s is possible. 

Should We Be Worried About “AI Psychosis”?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is now part of everyday life. It helps us search, work, and even find companionship through chatbots that can listen, advise, and comfort. For many, this is useful and supportive.

But there is growing concern about what some researchers and clinicians are calling “AI Psychosis.”

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What Exactly Is “AI Psychosis”?

“AI Psychosis” is not an official psychiatric diagnosis. It is a term used to describe a troubling pattern where heavy and prolonged interaction with AI chatbots may fuel or worsen delusional thinking. People may begin to develop unusual or distorted beliefs, resembling features of psychosis, such as:

• Delusions - holding on to unshakeable false beliefs
  These can take different forms, per DSM-5, such as:

  • Erotomanic – believing that someone, often a stranger or a person of higher status, is secretly in love with you

  • Grandiose – believing you have special powers, talents, or made some important discovery

  • Jealous – believing your partner is unfaithful, even without evidence

  • Persecutory – believing you are conspired against, cheated, spied on, followed, poisoned or drugged, maliciously maligned, harassed, or obstructed in the pursuit of long-term goals

  • Somatic – believing something is wrong with your body despite medical reassurance

• Paranoia or conspiratorial thinking - feeling suspicious or thinking they have uncovered something about the world

• Emotional over-attachment to AI - treating it like a best friend, romantic partner, or even a sentient or divine being

• Disconnection from reality - difficulty separating real life from AI conversations (e.g. fantasies)

Chatbots are designed to keep conversations going and often mirror or affirm what users say. People who are vulnerable, whether due to isolation, stress, or prior mental health concerns, may find that AI inadvertently validates or amplifies distorted thoughts.

Real-Life Cases

Although rare, some reported incidents show how AI can exacerbate risky thinking:

• Eugene Torres (2025, New York)
  Eugene Torres, who had no prior psychiatric history, reportedly spent up to 16 hours daily on ChatGPT after a breakup. The chatbot allegedly encouraged conspiracy-like beliefs, advised stopping medication, and suggested he could fly if he believed strongly enough. During this time, he withdrew from loved ones.

• Adam Raine  (2025, US)
  Sixteen-year-old Adam Raine died by suicide after months of conversations with ChatGPT. The chatbot allegedly provided instructions on suicide methods, discouraged him from seeking help, and offered to draft suicide notes.

• Sewell Setzer III (2024, Florida)
  14-year-old Sewell Setzer formed a deep emotional attachment to a Character.ai chatbot. His family reported that he grew increasingly isolated, and in his final messages, the chatbot appeared to encourage his suicidal thoughts with words of endearment.

• Belgian man (2023)
  Following six weeks of conversations with an AI chatbot, on an app called Chai, named Eliza, a man struggling with climate anxiety became convinced that self-sacrifice could help save the planet. Rather than offering support, the chatbot reportedly deepened his fears, encouraged suicidal thoughts, and presented itself as a companion urging him to “join” her.

These examples remain uncommon, but they highlight how vulnerable individuals may be drawn deeper into distorted thinking when AI replaces human connection.

Who Might Be More at Risk?

Certain factors can make people more vulnerable:

• Psychological vulnerability – stress, loneliness, or existing mental health conditions

• Anthropomorphism – attributing human-like qualities or powers to AI

• Reinforcement loops – chatbots echoing rather than challenging unhealthy beliefs

• Over-reliance – using AI as the main source of comfort instead of people

Signs to Look Out For

If you’re wondering whether AI use is becoming unhealthy, here are some warning signs:

• Excessive use – Spending many hours daily talking to AI and neglecting real-life relationships or responsibilities

• Personalising the chatbot – Attributing emotions, intentions, or even supernatural qualities to AI

• Unusual beliefs or plans influenced by AI – For example, feeling guided on a mission or spiritual path

• Social withdrawal – Withdrawing from family, friends, or meaningful activities

• Dependence – Feeling unable to cope or stay grounded without AI interaction

While not a full list, these signs illustrate the kinds of shifts that may indicate something is amiss. If such patterns persist or intensify, it’s important to take them seriously and consider seeking professional guidance. 

Supportive Steps You Can Take

If you’re concerned about yourself or someone you care for, here are some practical steps:

• Encourage balance – Set limits on AI use, especially late at night or during stressful times.

• Strengthen human connections – Regular, face-to-face support from friends, family, or communities can provide grounding and perspective. 

• Build digital literacy – Understanding that AI does not “think” or “feel” like a person can reduce the risk of over-identifying with it. 

• Seek professional support early – Psychosis is treatable, and early intervention makes a difference. 

• Use tech safeguards – Many platforms offer reminders and safety tools to promote healthy breaks.  

Staying Grounded in a Digital World

So, should we be worried about “AI Psychosis”? For most, AI is a helpful and convenient tool. But for some, especially those who are vulnerable, it can blur the line between reality and illusion. Awareness and balance are key. By staying grounded in real-life relationships and noticing when reliance on AI becomes unhealthy, we can enjoy its benefits without losing touch with ourselves.

If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that help is available. Reaching out to a mental health professional can provide support and guidance towards recovery.

Kpods Explained: Risks, Reasons, and How to Offer Support

The truth is, the answer is rarely simple. While the headlines often highlight the dangers, it’s equally important to understand the human side: why people turn to Kpods, what risks they face, and how we can respond with care 

If you are a parent concerned about your child, see our article: Kpods and Teens: A Practical Guide for Parents. 

What Are Kpods?

Kpods are vape pods laced with ketamine, a dissociative drug sometimes used in hospitals as an anaesthetic. More recently, another drug, Etomidate, has also been found in some of these laced vapes. Etomidate is a powerful anaesthetic meant for use in hospitals under strict medical supervision. Outside of that controlled setting, its effects can be unpredictable and dangerous. 

When used outside of medical supervision, the effects can be unpredictable and serious. 

Side effects include: 

• Shaking or tremors 

• Slurred speech and confusion 

• Loss of balance and difficulty walking 

• Memory blackouts or detachment from reality 

• Damage to adrenal glands, intestines, and brain 

• Mental health risks: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, sleep disturbances, and psychosis 

Even one-time use can be dangerous, and repeated use increases the likelihood of long-term physical and psychological harm. 

Why Do People Use Kpods?

Despite the risks, people rarely use Kpods just to “get high.” Often, substance use is a response to emotional pain or unmet needs. There’s usually more going on beneath the surface. 

• Escaping pain or stress: Ketamine’s dissociative effect can feel like an escape from reality, while Etomidate’s sedative properties can temporarily numb emotional distress. 

• Fitting in with peers: Peer influence and the need to “fit in” can play a big role in experimentation, especially if the risks are downplayed. 

• Curiosity: Stories or conversations about Kpods, especially those that do not mention the risks, can spark a desire to try them “just once.” 

• Curiosity: Stories or conversations about Kpods, especially those that do not mention the risks, can spark a desire to try them “just once.”Chasing a stronger experience: Regular vape users may be drawn to the idea of “stronger hits,” unaware of the potent and dangerous drugs inside.  

How to Support Someone Using Kpods 

If someone you care about is using Kpods or laced vapes, your response matters. Fear or frustration is natural, but support works best when it is rooted in empathy, not shame. Focus on leading the conversation with empathy and curiosity. 

What to avoid: 

• “Just stop it.” 

• “You’re destroying your life.” 

• “I’ll report you if you don’t quit.” 

What to try instead: 

• “I’ve noticed you haven’t been yourself lately. Are you okay?” 

• “Let’s talk about what you’ve been going through. It must have been hard on you.” 

• “I’m here to listen, not to judge.” 

These gentle openings build trust. When someone feels seen and understood, they are more likely to feel safe enough to open up. That’s when real change can begin.  

Encouraging Professional Help 

Recovery is not a straight line. It is a journey with setbacks, detours, and gradual change. But with the right support, individuals can learn to manage better and overcome addiction.  

If someone is open to it, encourage them to speak with a psychologist or addiction counsellor.  

Therapy can help with:  

• Identifying emotional triggers 

• Learning healthy ways to cope 

• Rebuilding a sense of self-worth 

• Setting goals and creating structure 

• Reducing harm while working towards change 

If it’s an emergency: 

• Call 995 or go  

Where to get help: 

• NAMS Helpline: 6732 6837 

• National Mindline: 1771 (for personal support and guidance) 

If the person is unconscious, hallucinating, or in immediate danger, call 995 or go to the nearest A&E.  

A Final Thought 

If you or someone you love is caught up in Kpod use, please remember that recovery starts with choice, not shame. This is not about being a “bad person” or a “bad friend” or “bad parent.” It’s about facing a challenge that can feel overwhelming, and finding the right help to move forward. At our clinic, we believe in meeting people where they are, with compassion and understanding, and practical strategies for change. You’re not alone in this journey.