Hallucinations in the Elderly

Shakiness, unsteady gait and freezing are the hallmark symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but half of those with PD also develop hallucinations, paranoid thinking and delusions.

Two of the most frightening and troublesome side effects of dementia are hallucinations and delusions. They are very real to the person who is experiencing them but highly frustrating for caregivers to deal with.

For seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, the time change each fall may exacerbate symptoms of sundowning. Less daylight and modifications to one’s daily routine often bring added emotional, behavioral and cognitive difficulties.

Sundowning can happen with dementia patients year-round, but during autumn and winter, the effects can be magnified due to shorter, darker days. Be aware of the causes of and treatments for this dementia-related behavior.