Are these hallucinations “normal”?

LorettaP

My husband was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s end of Jan. I do not understand why these things are happening. For example, this morning he said there were one or two other women in bed with him late last night that were kissing him and proceeded to wake him up, and he told them to stop. (It was me.)  He said I was out last night and then asked, “We don’t go out together very often right? (We are both home alone pretty much all the time due to Covid.) Later today, he came home with flowers because he felt bad I was so upset about the “other women in bed”! He says he sometimes sees two of me, the Good Loretta and the Bad Loretta. And he says he knows it’s not possible but he still sees it, and “we” look somewhat alike, but a little different. He has this thing about there being people, men and women in our bed. I can’t convince him otherwise. We have two German Shepherds, one is a trained protection dog, and when I tell him no stranger could get past the dog. He just looks at me. Dr has him scheduled with a neurologist because he’s not “convinced” it’s Alzheimer’s! I am going crazy here. Neurologist appointment isn’t until 5/7. He won’t tell his adult daughters about his diagnosis, and he says he wants to wait for the neurologist’s diagnosis. His daughters live out of town and we live in a remote area and are mostly home alone because of Covid. He’s 10 years older than me. I just turned 59 and I feel like my life is over. Is this normal Alzheimer’s? He does forget things, like words, etc., but this thing about other people, especially in bed, is mind boggling! Any advice would be appreciated.

mrsfnulnu

Hello.  I am sorry you are going through this.  Both of my parents were diagnosed with dementia (including Alzheimer's); my mom just passed.  I can tell you that both my mom and dad have had hallucinations/delusions about other people being in the house.  Both have been confused about who is who and have had trouble recognizing even me and my brothers.  My mother had tons of hallucinations or delusions about my dad doing things with the caregivers.  Now my dad is actively imagining sexual events both present and in the past.  I don't think that imaginings/hallucinations/delusions that involve sex or intimacy are unusual at all.  What I am surprised about in reading your post is that he has just been diagnosed and is having these already.  I am not a doctor; I am sure your neurologist will have some insight.  I know that both my mom and dad were prescribed different meds to try to combat the delusions and the agitation that often came with them.  It's not surprising that your husband does not believe the diagnosis and you should be prepared for him to deny it until his memory simply makes it impossible for him to remember.  One of the first things affected by dementia, particularly Alzheimer's, is the part of the brain that allows patients to "see" themselves objectively.  Make sure you make the opportunity to speak with the neurologist separately from your husband so that you can be frank and honest and get the dr's frank and honest responses.  I wish you the best of luck.

Emily 123

Hi Loretta,

Unfortunately they can be.  This is a good basic video about them, from a good series.  Teepa Snow also has a lot of videos about dementia, many which are for caregivers, and she has some specifically aimed at how to handle hallucinations.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1YDut5uBcc

Your doctor may have meant that they weren't sure that your husband had Alzheimer's-type dementia, maybe he was thinking it's another type.  The next two common types are frontotemporal dementia and then lewy-body dementia. And sometimes it's a mix of Alzheimer's with one of the other two. Perhaps you can contact the doctor and ask him to clarify what he meant?  From what I understand, the type can make a difference as to what medications are prescribed.

Also, if your schedule will let you, call the neurologist's office and ask to be bumped up if there are any cancellations. Can't hurt.  

Do consider cross-posting on the spouse forum--there are some wonderful folks over there with a wealth of experience.  I'm sorry I can't be much more help, as my mom's trajectory is different.  Best wishes...

LorettaP

Thank you for that. Yes, I also surprised about the ongoing hallucinations. Dr thought he might have Lewy Body, but test showed conclusively Alzheimer’s. It’s hard to believe it can progress this fast. There’a been several nights he hasn’t known me. He was only diagnosed 3 months ago. He asks the strangest questions. “Are we married? How long has it been since we’ve seen each other? Who lives in this house? Are you my sister?” Hard to handle because it’s so bizarre. I feel I’ve had no time to get ready for this. I guess you’re never ready.

towhee

I don't think there is a test, short of a brain autopsy, that can conclusively diagnose alzheimers, but he might have ruled out Lewy Body. That neurologist appt. is important. Three weeks isn't a bad wait time, but you can always call and see if there are cancellations. Try calling once a week about half an hour after the office opens. I have had good luck on Mondays.

Let your doctor know the hallucinations are getting worse. If you ever feel your husband might hurt you, call 911 and ask to have him go to the emergency department.

If you post on the spouse/caregiver board you will get more answers.