In this Article

• Tips for Caregivers of Persons with Alzheimer's Disease
• Dealing with the Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
• Communicating with a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Bathing a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Dressing a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Eating: Getting a a Person with Alzheimer's Disease to Eat
• Activities for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Exercise for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Incontinence in a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Sleep Problems for Caregivers and a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Hallucinations and Delusions in a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Wandering: A Problem for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Home Safety for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Driving: Decisions for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Visiting the Doctor with a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Coping with Holidays with a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Visiting a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• Choosing a Nursing Home for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease
• For More Information About Alzheimer's Disease
• Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide Glossary
• Alzheimer's Disease Patient Caregiver Guide Index

Hallucinations and Delusions in a Person with Alzheimer's Disease

As the disease progresses, a person with Alzheimer's disease may experience hallucinations and/or delusions. Hallucinations are when the person sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels something that is not there. Delusions are false beliefs from which the person cannot be dissuaded.

• Sometimes hallucinations and delusions are a sign of a physical illness. Keep track of what the person is experiencing and discuss it with the doctor.
  
  
• Avoid arguing with the person about what he or she sees or hears. Try to respond to the feelings he or she is expressing, and provide reassurance and comfort.
  
  
• Try to distract the person to another topic or activity. Sometimes moving to another room or going outside for a walk may help.
  
  
• Turn off the television set when violent or disturbing programs are on. The person with Alzheimer's disease may not be able to distinguish television programming from reality.
  
  
• Make sure the person is safe and does not have access to anything he or she could use to harm anyone.

Wandering: A Problem for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease

Keeping the person safe is one of the most important aspects of caregiving. Some people with Alzheimer's disease have a tendency to wander away from their home or their caregiver. Knowing what to do to limit wandering can protect a person from becoming lost.

• Make sure that the person carries some kind of identification or wears a medical bracelet. Consider enrolling the person in the Alzheimer's Association Safe Return program if the program is available in your area (see "For More Information" to contact the Association). If the person gets lost and is unable to communicate adequately, identification will alert others to the person's medical condition. Notify neighbors and local authorities in advance that the person has a tendency to wander.
  
  
• Keep a recent photograph or videotape of the person with Alzheimer's disease to assist police if the person becomes lost.
  
  
• Keep doors locked. Consider a keyed deadbolt or an additional lock up high or down low on the door. If the person can open a lock because it is familiar, a new latch or lock may help.
  
  
• Be sure to secure or put away anything that could cause danger, both inside and outside the house.

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