Hallucinations can be particularly challenging for older adults and their loved ones. They can quickly make everyday life much more difficult to navigate—not just for your loved one but also for every caregiver involved. Learning more about hallucinations lets you help your loved one in a way that can truly make a difference and tells you when it’s time to seek professional care.
Hallucinations in seniors can be caused by:
- Dementia
- Medication
- Sleep deprivation
- Sensory loss
What Are Hallucinations?
Hallucinations are sensory experiences that appear to be real but are entirely created by the mind. A hallucination involves perceiving something that isn’t there, which can affect any of the senses.
They can vary in intensity and duration. For some people, they’re a fleeting and quick experience, while other people may experience frequent and persistent hallucinations. No matter which sense they affect, hallucinations can cause:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Anxiety and fear
- Distress and agitation
- Changes in behavior
- Difficulty distinguishing between reality and illusion
- Social withdrawal and isolation
- Disrupted sleep patterns
It’s important to note that hallucinations are more than just vivid imaginings; they are perceived to be entirely real by the person experiencing them. It’s important to approach a person experiencing a hallucination with care, compassion, and understanding. These can be complex problems that often don’t have a simple answer.
Are There Different Types of Hallucinations?
Hallucinations can affect any one of your senses—both individually or simultaneously. Each type can be challenging and require a different approach. The different types of hallucinations include:
- Visual hallucinations: These are the most common. These affect the visual system and involve seeing things that aren’t there.
- Auditory hallucinations: These involve hearing sounds—like voices or music—that are not there.
- Tactile hallucinations: These involve feeling things through touch. Some people may feel a breeze on their skin or as though someone is touching them.
- Olfactory hallucinations: These involve smelling things that aren’t there, often unpleasant smells like rotting food or burning rubber.
- Gustatory hallucinations: These involve tasting things that aren’t there and can manifest as a strange taste in the mouth.
- Somatic hallucinations: These experiences relate to a sensation within the body, like the feeling of something moving inside.
No matter the type of hallucination, it can be extremely troubling. Older adults experiencing a hallucination may begin reacting to the stimuli with aggression, confusion, or anger, and this can quickly lead to harm.
What Can Cause Hallucinations?
Hallucinations can be caused by almost anything that affects the brain. Fortunately, you can make some small adjustments to intervene and help your loved one to lower the risk of hallucinations in the future.
Dementia
One of the primary causes of hallucinations in older adults is dementia. Conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia damage cells inside the brain and can quickly cause a wide range of symptoms.
Dementia-related hallucinations distort a senior’s perception of the world around them, leading to vivid hallucinations. If you have a loved one recently diagnosed with dementia, it may be time to think about memory care. This is a specialized type of long-term senior living designed to help older adults living with any memory impairment.
Medication
Many older adults take multiple medications, and sometimes, these can interfere with one another and cause unpredictable effects. Some medications are known to cause hallucinations as a side effect, such as:
- Anti-biotics
- Muscle relaxants
- Anti-seizure medications
- Anti-psychotics
- Some Parkinson’s medications
These often occur shortly after a new medication is introduced but can also develop if your loved one frequently uses alcohol or has a sleeping disorder. If you suspect a medication is causing any negative side effects, visit a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Sleep Deprivation
When you sleep, your body naturally repairs damaged cells and tissues. A lack of sleep significantly impairs this process and quickly disrupts the brain’s ability to function normally, which can often lead to hallucinations.
A healthy sleep schedule can make a big difference. Encourage your loved one to:
- Maintain a consistent sleep routine
- Create a calming bedtime environment
- Limit caffeine and heavy meals before bed
- Encourage regular physical activity
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
This can boost your loved one’s mental, cognitive, and physical health. Sleep is crucial, and a healthy sleep schedule can make a difference.
Sensory Loss
As older adults age, some of the senses may become less effective, which can lead to hallucinations. Poor eyesight can cause the brain to perceive images incorrectly.
When a sense begins degrading, the brain receives limited input. Sometimes, it tries to fill in the gaps with what could be there rather than what actually is. This can cause an overreaction as the brain misinterprets the information it receives.
If you’re worried about your loved one’s senses, encourage regular checkups with their doctor. Assistive devices like specialty eyeglasses or hearing aids can greatly affect their overall quality of life.
Caring for Your Loved One
Whether due to dementia, medication, sleep deprivation, or sensory loss, hallucinations can be difficult to handle on your own. Fortunately, you’re not alone—our team at The Legacy at Santa Fe can help.
Our community can offer a home where your loved one always has access to trained caregivers with a wealth of experience supporting older adults in need. We’re here for you and your family, so book a tour with us today!