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Approximately 1.4 million Americans live with Lewy Body Dementia, and this disease often comes with a host of symptoms that mimic other diagnoses. Hallucinations are a common sign of Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), and may worsen as the disease progresses. Hallucinations can be an unsettling symptom for both LBD patients and their care partners, but there are several ways to help individuals with LBD navigate these delusions. Here, we share tips for helping loved ones cope with hallucinations associated with their diagnosis.
Responding to Hallucinations
Approximately 80% of individuals with LBD experience this type of cognitive impairment. Hallucinations and delusions can be difficult to address, but there are several steps you can take to diffuse the situation and help your loved one cope. Here are a few ways to calm the patient and cultivate a safe environment for all involved:
- Use validation therapy. Validation therapy can be reassuring for individuals who experience hallucinations, delusions, or confusion. This comforting method is simple to practice, and it aims to help patients feel understood and valued. For example, if a person with LBD is experiencing hallucinations of a parent who has long since passed away, you can use this as an opportunity to speak with him or her about the parent they’re “seeing” or calling for. Asking the individual for details about their parent is a great way to validate their feelings.
- Use positive distractions. In addition to validation therapy, positive distractions are often effective for relieving tension and anxiety related to hallucinations. When hallucinations or delusions become stressful, try lightening the mood by playing some cheerful music or going for a walk.
A diagnosis of Lewy Body Dementia comes with a host of challenges, and hallucinations are often among the most challenging symptoms. Caring for a loved one with LBD is difficult to go through alone, so don’t hesitate to reach out for support or additional resources if necessary. Our team at Lewy Body Dementia Resource Center is happy to help you navigate the caregiving process and provide insight, so please call our helpline at 516-218-2026 for assistance.
My husband is experiencing an hallucination storm. Many many people in the house ,sitting in the chairs. 5 total. 3are adults. They are very bothersome . H I’ve given him 75 mg of qutinapine. Should I add 5 or 10 mg of aricept? How do I help him?
Hi Linda,
Please call his physician with this question. We don’t have a doctor on board and, even if we did, every person’s background and case is different. See how the medication you just gave him works. There may be environmental circumstances contributing to this. Did anything change in the room? Was he watching a particular movie? Try your best to re-direct the topic. Tell him you are telling the people to leave right now. . . Tell him they are leaving now.
Hi Linda,
I’m not sure if you’ve spoken to someone on the Helpline which I am assuming may be the case. Please check with your neurologist or geriatrician re medications and let us know how he’s doing.
my husband has Parkinson’s with Lewy Bodies Dementia. He has delusions that some women are trying to keep him from getting to his home, while he is in his home with me, his wife of course when we are going thru this he doesn’t recognize me as his wife. He keeps calling my phone to come pick him up and take him home. it is becoming more frequent, sometimes he walks out of the house and I have to try to track him and make sure he doesn’t go to far or get lost. I dont know how to help him anymore. Help please
Hi Cookie,
Please call our Helpline at 833-LBD-LINE between 8am and 8pm seven days a week as I feel we’ll be able to give you quite a few suggestions easily that way.
Thank you,
Norma
Hello … I have had Parkinson’s 5 years now and started the hallucinations a year ago. Any advice?
Hi Dave,
If the hallucinations become frightening to you, please speak with your Movement Disorder Neurologist as there is new medication that can help with them.