Seeing things that are not there

Coin99

Hi,I am new here. My husband was recently diagnosed with what they say is memory issues.

I believe he has early stage dementia.  He see's things that are not there, sometimes calls me the other lady. Be comes upset when I say that I am sure you see them but I don't. Some of his tests have shown that he's had a silcent stroke which has affected his memory. I am not sure what words or phrases to use to answer his questions about seeing people. It's either dead people sleeping in his bed or children /babies in his bed.  Looking for suggestions.

Thanks!

[Deleted User]

The user and all related content has been deleted.

Iris L.

Hallucinations are not early stage, but middle stage.  Although people with Alzheimer's Disease can have hallucinations, they are a prominent feature of Lewy Body Dementia.  Read about that.  Read about how the members respond to hallucinations.  They are his reality, if you correct him, he will be very upset and not trust you.

Iris

sandwichone123

I can't give you the words to answer his questions, but I can suggest that, rather than responding to the content of his delusions you try responding to the emotions behind them. Seeing dead people, "That must be scary. Do you recognize them?" You're the other lady, "who was here?" or "what is she doing here?"

Using reason is likely to upset him. He does not have the option of entering your world fully; you have to find a way to peek into his.

Arrowhead

If the hallucinations don’t upset him, then you’re ahead of the game. If they do, then you need to find a way to defuse the situation. Play along. You may try telling those who he “sees” that they need to leave. Don’t tell him that they’re not there or that you can’t see them.  

Coin99

Grand Rising!

So much has happened since Sept. I an just responding.  Thanks for you comments.

Coin99

Thank you for your comments.  I continue to learn as much as I can.

Coin99

Thank you for reaching out. I am still learning what works and what doesn't

Coin99

Grand Rising!

So much has happened since my first post. I appreciate everyone's comments

I work from home as a jewelry designer. I have my studio across from my husband's bedroom, so I have moved some of my things downstairs. It's difficult working from home..

There are times that I must be on Zoom meeting and he will interrupt. I have tried letting him know that I will be online and will let him know when I am off.  Sometimes it works and sometimes it does not.  Anyone working from home with any suggestions how to manage this?

Thanks!

ninalu

Hi Coin99,

Regarding the working-from-home situation while PWD/LO is present, I had only 2 options:

1. Engage a caregiver with my LO during meetings where I must not be interrupted 

2. Let my meeting attendees know that I may be interrupted, and do the best we can to provide care and work simultaneously. In reality, this option was difficult because the nature of my work is that it requires quiet, focused attention for fairly long periods. 

The best option we used was adult daycare. I was able to work without distraction and my LO had a group of fun, engaging, and truly caring others. This routine worked really well for us while my LO was in the early / middle stages of her progression. 

Sending you good thoughts. Many here know this path and I'm sure will have additional suggestions. 

Beauchene105

My mom keeps thinking I am a little bitty girl and will talk about the cute little dresses she just got me. I usually say something like,"You always bought me adorable clothes". She is enjoying remembering the experience, so I let her. Yesterday she said she would have me a glass of chocolate milk waiting when I got home. I just said," You always made sure I would have chocolate milk, so I would drink my milk!" and we had a pleasant chuckle. I use these visions she has as an opportunity to let her know I appreciate all she did for me in times past. 

As for imaginary people hiding behind the shower curtain, I will just assure her I checked and they're gone. No one there. Same for imaginary cats, people sitting in the chair, rats running across the floor, etc. Do as you would for a small child afraid of monsters under the bed.

Coin99

Hi

Thank you for those options.

Coin99

Hi

Thanks for your comments.

Coin99

Hi,thank you.

Will try those.