Hallucinating

PJC

HI - I am new to this. My husband has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Yesterday he told me he saw a man outside our house and wanted to know who and why. In the back of his mind, he thinks I am seeing someone, which I would never do. I am with him almost 24/7 accept when I go to the market or run errands. When I do go, he asks me what took me so long even though it didn't. Has anyone else encountered this with their spouse?

Carl46

Delusions of adultery are quite common. I have not experienced that yet, but DW does sometimes think other people are nearby. An antipsychotic medication might make your lives more comfortable.

CampCarol

I can’t speak to the adultery either, but the timing of how long you’re apart has been and continues to be a problem for us. I no longer leave DH home alone ever, but if I walk away to the kitchen or bathroom and tell him I’ll be back in 2 minutes, he thinks it’s been at least 30 and can get quite agitated. He has no sense of how much time has elapsed for anything anymore. So sorry you’re going through this; I agree you may want to pursue some appropriate meds as needed.

RetaMeta55

My husband has daily infidelity delusions that are so detailed that at first it caught me off guard. It can be so hurtful and outrageous that the person that you have spent for 20 years would think this. I know that they are not true but unfortunately to him they are so real. I started seeing a psychiatric NP to help me to cope which is most helpful. Talking to friends and family can be helpful as well. Seeking help for yourself is so important.

SDianeL

Yes, it’s very common. Read the book “The 36 Hour Day” and search online for Tam Cummings videos. They will help you. Arguing does not help. I would no longer leave him alone. He probably wouldn’t know what to do in an emergency. Come here often for info and support. We know what you’re going through.

BPS

My wife has had those delusions for almost two years now. She is on medication which has help a lot but not stopped them. At first I tried to explain that it was not true, but it only mad her more upset. Now I say something like That's not right or sorry you think that and leave the room for a little bit and then come back and say something totally unrelated. She would rarely mention it again right away. In our case some of the delusions were about family members so I still don't mention them in any conversations. I don't know what she thinks about them because her delusions have moved on to me and another resident at her MC.

Palmetto Peg

My DH has had delusions that I am unfaithful off and on for several years. He used to get angry and make ugly accusations, but now he mostly just asks me how my "date" was. I always tell him that I don't have boyfriends and that he is the only one for me, and then I change the subject. He also thinks his mother is dating, and she passed away in 2011. Does anyone know why these delusions are so common in dementia?