Phantom items

Kat63

For a couple of months or so my DH will believe he has something in his hand and will want to give it to me. At first it was occasionally, but now it is multiple times each day. I just pretend I take it from him. Today he was very careful with what he “had” in his hand and did hand it to me so I made sure to be very gentle with “it” as well. Haven’t seen anyone else post about this behavior, so just curious if others LO have dealt with this hallucination. My DH is in late stage AD.

tonyac2

@Kat63

Very interesting, my DH does the same. I always take it from him and pretend to put it my pocket. I think that validates him.

Biggles

Thank you for sharing this imaginary information I’ll be ready if my DH starts giving me something that’s not there. He does see two puppies occasionally, we only have one, I’m never sure how to respond I sometimes say “we only have one” and he seems a little confused but accepts what I say. Any suggestions?

persevere

My DW does this occasionally. There’s nothing there but she’s awfully careful with it. I think it’s fairly harmless. But some hallucinations can be a little scary. As long as it doesn’t lead to serious distress. If that happens tell your dr.

CindyBum

Oh yes. My DW was often handing me "things". I either pretended to throw it away or put it in my pocket, depending on how she was treating the invisible thing. She graduated at some point to also picking up invisible things from the floor.

STEL101

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/75470/phantom-items

wife does phantom giving at various times of day, I always graciously accept the mysterious nothings and she seems quite happy at that point, can’t really see any harm in this as it’s a generous giving and what more can we ask for with these people who have a very stressful life. Although a lot of times, I don’t know who it’s more stressful life on them or the caregivers. we will just accept the graciousness and keep on going until the next bump comes up… good luck on your travels….

STEL101

tonyac2

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/267100#Comment_267100

My DH believes we have two dogs as well. Says the second one is in the backyard and I need to let him in.
I’ll tell him they don’t get along so one has to be in and one out at all times. He’s OK with that answer. On a walk one day he got upset because two dogs didn’t get into the van to go home. He was stressed that I was leaving without the other dog. I told him when we get home we’ll make a lost dog poster.

Scooterr

Oh yes DW has been doing this for quite sometime now. Sometimes like your DH, my DW is very gentle with these imaginary items, and on occasion she'll add in a very faint whisper as she hands them to me.

Bobo59

Yes, my DH has been doing this for about a year. I too, gently take his hands and accept the treasure. He also flicks his hand as though trying to get rid of something on it. It helps if I treat this action the same way. Other times, he will clasp his hands together and seems unable to let them go.