Hi,
My Dad has been diagnosed with alzheimers, although he does have some problems with memory his worst symptoms are that he "hears" things that no one else does. His neighbors who have moved talk to him through a monitor(according to him). He thinks they tell him that special events are going on--like people are making a movie of him, they are having a special dinner for him, etc. These are very "real" to him. We go along with him if we can--but we can't take him to these events if they aren't happening. He gets upset with us--when we tell him we don't know anything about these events. He also is very difficult to distract with other topics. Is this really alzeimers or could it be something else?

Dear Ra,

Hallucinations are a common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Many times when we hear the words Alzheimer’s disease we automatically think, loss of memory. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive which means although it starts with impairment in memory, it moves to affect other parts of brain including reasoning, judgment, language, visual perception, personality, etc.

With symptoms such as hallucinations or delusional thinking it is important to note that, although what the person is experiencing is not real, it is their reality in that moment. It is best not to challenge their reality unless the hallucination/delusion is upsetting to the person or potentially dangerous to them or others. Make sure you inform your father’s physician of these symptoms so the doctor can rule out any underlying medical issue that could potentially trigger his hallucinations/delusions. Because your Dad’s hallucinations are pleasant the best way to handle them is not to challenge his reality. This will only serve to escalate him, increasing his agitation and confusion. At this point he is cognitively unable to understand your logic as to why he cannot possibly be spoken to by his neighbors, or the fact that there are no events to go to. Instead speak to him about these thoughts in an agreeable manner. In these sorts of situations creativity is important and finding what works is a trial and error process. For example, if he thinks he has to go to his movie premier, rent a movie that night, or show him a home movie that he is in. If distracting him with different topics does not work try to engage your dad by asking him questions like “Who’s going to be at your dinner?”, or “I didn’t know you were in a movie tell me about it?” This may help distract him from wanting to leave for the events and it also gives him a chance to talk about something he finds pleasant. If he really wants to leave the house to attend the events, you may want to try taking him in the car for a ride, and maybe stop at a safe public place; this may satisfy his need to leave. Again, do not argue with him, it will only increase his confusion, and agitation. Remember hallucinations are very normal for persons with Alzheimer’s and the best way to deal with them is to play along. However if the hallucinations become unpleasant for your Dad then it is important to speak with his physician about possible medications.

You are not alone here, many people with Alzheimer’s experience one form or another of hallucinations or delusions. Please contact our 24 hour helpline at 800.272.3900 to speak directly with a Care Consultant if you have any more questions or concerns. Thank you for using the Alzheimer’s Association’s Online Community.

Sincerely,

Jaimie E.
Alzheimer's Association
Care Consultant