Hallucinations are one of the many common symptoms of dementia. Hallucinations are sensory experiences that appear to be real but aren’t. It is caused by changes in the brain that typically occurs in individuals with dementia. These changes cause the brain to misinterpret or distort the senses. For example, some individuals experiencing hallucinations may taste, hear, feel, or see something that isn’t there, while others may say ‘banana’ when referring to a yellow cushion.
Some hallucinations can be scary, for instance, when an individual thinks they are in a dangerous situation. Other hallucinations may be pleasant and include visions of loved one or joyous events from the past. Hallucinations usually occur in the middle or late stages of dementia and are common in Lewy Body and Parkinson’s Dementia. It is also possible for individuals with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia to experience hallucinations.
Some guidelines to respond when someone is experiencing dementia induced hallucinations are:
Determine if a response is needed
○ If the hallucination is pleasant, a response may not be warranted.
○ If it is causing distress or causing the individual to engage in unsafe activities, redirect the situation, and provide comfort.
Validate their feelings
○ Do not dismiss their experience, this will likely cause them to become upset.
○ Validating their experience will give them the opportunity to express what they are feeling and seeing. Be kind and provide reassurance if needed.
Alter the environment and remove triggers
○ Hallucinations can be triggered by the surrounding environment. Check for noise, visuals, and any other stimulations that can be triggering.
Establish and maintain routines
○ Routines give a sense of consistency and can be calming and reassuring.
○ Individuals are less likely to stray away from reality when they have tasks and events to look forward to throughout the day.
Utilize distraction and redirection
○ Use a distraction to direct attention away from the hallucination and towards an activity they enjoy.
If hallucinations are causing your loved one to be in severe distress or to injure themselves, contact their physician immediately for help. Make sure to give a detailed description of the symptoms, frequency, and if the harmful behavior has intensified or become more frequent over time. If you need assistance finding the best care for your loved ones, we are here to help. Wellpath Partners has a variety of resources for specialized living facilities such as Alzheimer’s and dementia facilities that can cater to your loved one’s needs.
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By: Kelly Stewart
Senior Care Advising Intern at WellPath Partners
Health Science Student at California State University, Long Beach
