Hallucinations can occur at any stage of dementia, but they are more common in the middle or later stages of the disease. Visual hallucinations are the most common type of hallucination in people with dementia, and they can involve seeing people, animals, or objects that arent there. Hallucinations are more common in people with dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinsons dementia, but they can also occur in Alzheimers and other types of dementia.

Its important to have a medical evaluation if a person with dementia begins hallucinating to rule out other possible causes and to determine if medication is needed. The first line of treatment for the behavioral symptoms of dementia is non-drug approaches, but if these strategies fail and symptoms are severe, medication may be appropriate. While antipsychotic medications can be effective in some situations, they are associated with an increased risk of stroke and death in older adults with dementia and must be used carefully.

If someone with dementia is experiencing hallucinations, caregivers should remain calm and ensure the person is safe from harming themselves or others. Talking calmly to the person, offering reassurance, and engaging them in meaningful activities can also help. If the person is experiencing hallucinations or delusions, its important to see a doctor.