The most prevalent symptoms of mid-stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, approximately 40 percent of those with dementia have delusions, while 25 percent experience hallucinations. According to the director of Duke’s Aging Center Family Support Program, Lisa Gwyther, trying to convince the patient that these experiences are not really happening is not helpful, and can actually frustrate the person. Instead, Gwyther recommends that you change the way in which you communicate with the individual during these times and try removing any possible triggers.

Key Takeaways:

• Dementia is a serious disease that can cause hallucinations and paranoia.
• These symptoms are not a normal part of the ageing process, but rather signs of a serious disease.
• It can be hard to deal with those with dementia, but you have to be supportive and patient.

“About 40 percent of dementia patients experience delusions, while hallucinations occur in about 25 percent of cases. When a senior is experiencing hallucinations and delusions, their caregiver often wants to help them understand that these beliefs and experiences are not real.”