People with dementia sometimes experience delusions and/or hallucinations. Hallucinations can involve any of the five sen``ses-a person with dementia may see, hear, smell, taste or feel something that isn’t there. Dementia affects the brain, and as a result, people who suffer from this disease can experience delusions that stem from distorted ideas and false beliefs.

Some people understand that their minds are playing tricks on them, even in the midst of experiencing a delusion or hallucination. Others are completely absorbed in the experience and believe that it is really occurring. Whatever the case, understand that these experiences can be quite vivid and upsetting.

Ask simple questions to determine whether the experience is causing any anxiety and take it from there. Instead of trying to talk your loved one “out of it,” try redirecting his or her attention, and make sure that he or she knows you are trying to help.

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