![]() Alcohol drinking ( p < 0.0005), benzodiazepine withdrawal ( p = 0.004), and the use of angiotensin II receptor blockers ( p = 0.007) or dopamine receptor agonists ( p = 0.014) were found to be significantly associated with hallucinations in patients with delirium. A total of 156 patients with delirium (25.9%) experienced hallucinations, with visual hallucinations being the most common subtype. Multiple regression analysis was applied to determine whether individual factors were associated with the hallucinations. The Delirium Rating Scale-revised-98 was used to assess perceptual disturbances and hallucinations in patients with delirium. In total, 602 delirium cases referred to the psychiatry department at a general hospital between May 2015 and August 2020 were enrolled. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the factors affecting delirium in cases in which hallucinations are conspicuous. To refine the treatment and care for delirium, a more detailed examination of these subtypes is needed. It is always true that we just want to feel understood.Delirium develops through a multifactorial process and include multiple subtypes with different pathological factors. Whether the cause of the hallucination or delusion is related to one’s Alzheimer’s or dementia, or to another medical issue, the way to respond remains the same-respond to the feeling, and acknowledge what they are experiencing. No Matter Who We Are, We Just Want to Feel Understood If your loved one recently started a new medication, report any changes in their behavior to the doctor. Some other medical causes that can cause hallucinations or delusions include dehydration, urinary tract infections, kidney or bladder infections, or pain. While your response to the immediate hallucination or delusion would remain the same, follow up with your loved one’s physician to rule out any underlying medical issues. Evaluate for other medical causes. Consult with your loved one’s physician, as there could be other medical reasons.What other activities do they like? Some common distractions include taking a walk, doing puzzles, playing cards, and looking at photos. Use distraction. Are the people on a favorite TV show now in their bedroom? Have there been violent or upsetting shows on TV when your loved one is in the room? Keep the TV off, and plan another activity for that time of day.Are they seeing it at a certain time of day? Perhaps the lighting through the window at a certain time of day creates a shadow, which can be eliminated by closing the drapes at that time of day, or spending that time in a different room. Are they seeing something that you just do not see? Find out where and what it is. ![]() Having acknowledged their fear with your reassurance, determine the cause. Investigate the immediate environment. Sometimes the cause is in the immediate environment.An example of a validating statement might be, “That must be scary to think someone is in the house with you.” With this response, you acknowledge your loved one’s fear. Look beyond their words for the emotion, and provide validation by acknowledging their fear. Provide reassurance, understanding, and concern. Underlying your loved one’s reactions are feelings of fear.Remain calm and resist any urge to argue.The following five tips are more effective ways to manage a person with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia when they are experiencing hallucinations and delusions: Top 5 Tips for Managing Hallucinations and Delusions Becoming dismissive, defensive or arguing your point will not be effective. If you are a caregiver and your loved one is seeing bugs that you do not see, or accusing you of stealing something, it is human nature to respond with “What bugs?” or “I didn’t steal anything.” Remember though, that your loved one’s behaviors are likely coming from changes in the brain related to the Alzheimer’s or dementia. Some common types of delusions include stealing, believing there is an intruder, and infidelity. They can also be about the person with dementia. These false beliefs and opinions can be about people or things. Delusions, per the National Institute of Health, are strongly held fixed beliefs or opinions not based on evidence.Nothing you say to the person having that experience will convince him/her otherwise. One example is seeing bugs crawling on the floor, though they are not there. Hallucinations are defined as false perceptions. They are very real to the person experiencing them.The Difference Between Hallucinations and Delusions As caregivers we can better respond when we understand these symptoms. With either of these, they are not experiencing things as they actually are. Persons with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias can sometimes experience hallucinations or delusions.
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