Delusions and Hallucinations

The following tips are provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  ©2013 Alzheimer’s Association, reused with permission. When responding to hallucinations, be cautious. First, assess the situation and determine whether the hallucination is a problem for the person or for you.Offer… Read More

The following tips are provided by the Alzheimer’s Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.  ©2013 Alzheimer’s Association, reused with permission. A person with Alzheimer’s may become suspicious of those around them, even accusing others of theft, infidelity or other improper behavior. Use these tips… Read More

If your loved one is insisting that there are strangers in the house, they may be experiencing a delusion—a fixed, false idea. There are a variety of potential causes for this condition including changes in the brain that occur as a result of dementia. While these issues can be frightening… Read More

Do not argue with your loved one about what is real and what is a fantasy. Say something like, “I can see you are scared, but everything is fine.” During the day, redirect them to another activity. At night time, ask them if it would help if you sat with… Read More

It is essential that you do not tell the person who is seeing or hearing things that you know what they see is not real because the things are real to the person. Reassure the person that you will keep them safe and understand emotion behind the hallucination or delusion…. Read More

Let your loved one say what is on their mind and listen attentively. Let them know you’re very sorry they feel this way and try to change the subject. Don’t try to reason with them—it won’t help. Agree with your loved one. Read More

False accusations of adultery illustrate one of the most common kinds of delusions sometimes seen in the later stages of Alzheimer’s. If you haven’t experienced them, count your blessings; such delusional thoughts might never come up. But if they do, know that the quality of a couple’s relationship has little… Read More

Delusions are denied as “fixed, false ideas.” Some people experience paranoia because they are losing control and don’t know what is happening around them. Here are a few tips to help minimize delusions and hallucinations. Let your loved one vent. Let your loved one know you are concerned and will… Read More

Delusions are a common—and challenging—symptom of Alzheimer’s and dementia. it’s important to have someone who is near your loved one involved to monitor the situation—from both a safety and quality-of-life standpoint. It’s just too hard to monitor these situations long distance without some local support. You might consider a home… Read More

Seek a doctor’s evaluation. Be observant. Involve family and friends to help come up with creative solutions. Read More