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

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.