These vivid experiences may involve seeing, hearing or even smelling people or things that aren’t really there. While hallucinations can be unsettling, they’re common in certain types of dementia. Understanding why they happen can help you respond calmly and with compassion, making a meaningful difference in how you engage with your loved one.

At Bethesda Gardens Loveland in Loveland, Colorado, we’re here to support families through every stage of the dementia journey. Below, we take a closer look at why hallucinations happen, what they may look like and how to respond in a way that preserves your loved one’s confidence and dignity.  

What Are Hallucinations?

A hallucination is a sensory experience that feels real to the individual but isn’t actually happening in their environment. When we think of hallucinations, we tend to think of dramatic, distressing experiences. However, for those living with dementia, hallucinations can take many forms, and they’re not always frightening.

Understanding the Basics

Dementia causes various changes in the brain that affect perception. Particularly in certain types of dementia, such as Lewy body dementia and Parkinson’s disease, these cognitive changes cause the individual to see, hear or smell things that aren’t really there. For the individual experiencing them, these unreal experiences feel completely real, making it difficult to separate them from reality.

Types of Hallucinations

Hallucinations come in many forms, including:

• Visual. The individual may see people, animals or objects that aren’t there.
• Auditory. Hearing voices or sounds is a common hallucination.
• Tactile. Some individuals feel things that aren’t there, such as bugs crawling on their skin.
• Olfactory and gustatory. This type of hallucination is less common and involves smell or taste.

While perceived sights and sounds are often confusing and unsettling for family members, they’re a normal part of the dementia process. Recognizing them as symptoms of a condition rather than signs of distress can help you respond in a calm and supportive way.

Why Do Hallucinations Happen in Dementia?

As dementia progresses, it can disrupt how the brain processes sensory information. This often leads to false perceptions that feel realistic to the person experiencing them.

Changes in the Brain

Dementia affects areas of the brain responsible for what the person sees and hears. As the condition progresses, the brain begins to misinterpret signals or fill in sensory gaps by manufacturing details. This results in hallucinations that seem very real to the individual with dementia.

Types of Dementia More Prone to Hallucinations

The type of dementia an individual has affects their likelihood of experiencing hallucinations. According to one study, about 23% of individuals with Alzheimer's disease experience moments of confusion. Other forms of dementia are more likely to cause hallucinations, with 28% of those with Parkinson’s disease and 57% of individuals with Lewy body disease experiencing episodes of altered perception.

Contributing Factors

Along with the disease itself, several other factors increase the chance of hallucinations. Medications commonly used to manage dementia symptoms can affect brain chemistry and increase the likelihood of experiencing false perceptions. Dehydration and changes in sleep patterns can also trigger confusion, while poor vision or hearing makes it hard for the brain to correctly interpret its surroundings.

How Hallucinations May Present

Hallucinations aren’t always frightening. In fact, they’re often neutral or even comforting. For example, an individual may see a cat that isn’t there, or they may hear music when none is playing. It’s important to note that the person often doesn’t realize they’re experiencing an altered sense of reality, and they may become agitated when they’re corrected.

How Caregivers at Bethesda Gardens Loveland Respond

At Bethesda Gardens Loveland, caregivers undergo specialized training to ensure positive, nurturing and confidence-building interactions with residents. Some strategies we focus on include:

• Staying calm and reassuring. Caregivers don’t argue or try to convince the resident their hallucination isn’t real. Instead, they respond with empathy.
• Ensuring safety and comfort. Our caregivers assess whether the hallucinations are causing fear or agitation. In some cases, they remove possible triggers, such as background noise or mirrors. If the resident seems frightened or disoriented, a caregiver stays with them until they’re calm and comforted.
• Looking for ways to redirect focus. Caregivers help residents focus on other things, such as a group activity, a childhood memory or a favorite song.

When to Seek Medical Guidance

Generally speaking, hallucinations are a normal part of dementia and aren’t a cause for concern. However, if these altered perceptions are new for your loved one or becoming more intense, it may signal a medical issue such as an infection or reaction to a medication. Consulting with a doctor is helpful for ruling out treatable causes, adjusting medications and learning strategies for reducing episodes.

Specialized Care at Bethesda Gardens Loveland

At Bethesda Gardens Loveland, caregivers are trained and have an understanding of dementia-related behaviors, including hallucinations. This, combined with our safe, soothing environment and structured daily routines, helps minimize confusion and anxiety. We also work closely with families and health care providers to respond to residents’ changing needs with compassion.

‍