Changes in the brain can lead to false realities for seniors with dementia, causing them to hear, feel, see, taste, and touch things that aren’t present. Some don’t experience hallucinations, while others experience the symptom in the middle and late stages of the condition. Below are some of the reasons seniors with dementia might hallucinate as the disease progresses.
Headaches
Aging adults with dementia have a higher risk of experiencing hallucinations caused by migraines. Headaches are common pain disorders, but they become worse in seniors with dementia because the condition changes several brain structures within the pain network as it progresses, leading to visual problems that cause seniors to see things that don’t exist. The misperceptions caused by migraines also lead to other sensory issues. For example, your loved one may feel something on his or her tongue or face, but in reality, he or she is hallucinating.
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be extremely challenging, and a compassionate professional caregiver can be a wonderful source of support. Families looking for top-rated Mississauga senior care providers can reach out to Home Care Assistance. From respite care to specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, stroke, and Parkinson’s care, there are many ways we can make life easier for seniors and their loved ones.
Hearing Impairment
As the brain’s cells deteriorate, the organ won’t function normally. As a result, the brain will believe voices are being heard when no conversation is taking place. This sensation is known as an auditory hallucination, and when it occurs, you shouldn’t correct your loved one. Remember that he or she isn’t thinking logically, and diminishing the experience could make the situation worse. To reduce auditory hallucinations, you should have your loved one’s ears checked regularly. The doctor may recommend that your loved one wear a hearing aid. You’ll have the task of ensuring the hearing aid works correctly. When the device is worn, it could reduce your parent’s risk of hearing voices that aren’t there.
Damage to Eyesight
Your parent’s brain may shut down information from time to time, making it difficult to see what’s right in front of him or her. As a result, the odds of experiencing misperceptions increase. Your loved one could lose his or her depth perception and have difficulty differentiating between various patterns and colors. If this happens, one problem your loved one may have is determining what’s false and what’s real. For instance, it may be difficult to tell if objects on the ground are real or a pattern in the tile. Your loved one may think he or she sees an apple on the floor and try to pick it up, but in reality, it’s just a picture of an apple on the rug.
If your senior loved one has been diagnosed with a serious condition and needs help with tasks like meal prep, transportation, bathing, and grooming, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of home care services families can trust. We also offer comprehensive care for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s.
Unmet Needs
Your loved one may have difficulty communicating with you as a result of developing dementia. He or she could be facing significant amounts of pain due to constipation, a bladder infection, or even pneumonia and be unable to share this information with you and other caregivers. These health issues could cause your loved one to experience intense and frequent hallucinations. Monitor your loved one regularly and make sure his or her needs are met, which may relax your parent’s mind, lower anxiety, and reduce the number of misperceptions.
If you’re looking for reliable dementia care, Mississauga Home Care Assistance offers high-quality at-home care for seniors who are managing the challenges of cognitive decline. We offer a revolutionary program called the Cognitive Therapeutics Method (CTM), which uses mentally stimulating activities to boost cognitive health in the elderly. CTM has proven to help seniors with dementia regain a sense of pride and accomplishment and learn how to engage with others in an enjoyable way. For reliable in-home care services, contact us at 905-337-1200 today.