How do you cope with dreams and hallucinations?

[hmfsli]

Mum has experienced really vivid dreams and hallucinations for quite some time now, sometimes insisting that something is there when it clearly isn't. How do you respond? Do you go along with it or do you tell the person that what they think is there only exists inside their head?

[ray-wiffen-1958]

hi hmfsll i started having nightmares and funny dreams

they would get so bad that i would wake up sweating and

shakeing the doctor said it could be my meds which they

changed but nothing changed so i tryed holistic therapy

i had a treatment called eft (emotional freedom technique)

its stopped my nightmares and my bad dreams i havent had

any for the last 4 months the only trouble is you cant get it

on nhs so you have to pay but its money well spent, it also

stoped my tremor in my right hand and arm.

[PSPA_JillL]

When someone is experiencing vivid dreams and hallucinations, that is reality to them, so telling them its not the case is probably not going to help the situation. Try and remain calm (even if you dont feel it) and reassure her you are there with her. You should discuss this with your mums doctor, it may be it is due to medication or she has an infection or is dehydrated. Listen to you mum and reassure her try and address the emotion behind what she is saying.

[jillannf6]

it mau b caused by taking medication eg amantadine may cause hallucinations

i have been on it a few weeks now and luckily do not have that side effect (yet)

jill

[hmfsli in reply to jillannf6]

Mum isn't taking amantadine and was getting the hallucinations before she went on any medication.

[SuneBeth]

My wife E. 71yrs, diagnose CBD 2007. Had terrible nights probably halucinations. Doc prescribed EXCELON bandages. After 10 days no more screams at night. After 6 mths we stopped, and night screams has never returnet. Worth a try ? She has no other medications.

[hmfsli in reply to SuneBeth]

Had to google Excelon bandages and it seems it is a way of delivering rivastigmine via the skin. Mum already takes rivastigmine orally so I'm not sure the bandages would help. Thanks for the suggestion though, hopefully it will help someone else.

[Hidden]

My Mother used to see me swinging in trees outside her window on windy days. She also used to see my Dad (who was no longer with us in her room, she talked to him often and teared up when he did not respond), she also saw cats in various locations, she always loved animals. We found it best, since it was so real to her, to go with the thoughts and bring her memories of comfort and love. It is what is real to her, correcting her only brought frustration. Meds did not help and only made her drowsy, or drowsier, or caused more vivid dreams. Take care....Kathy

[hmfsli in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, Kathy. Some of what you describe sounds familiar. Mum has seen people that aren't there and pets too. Sometimes when we are out she will ask "Where are the others?" when it's just me and Dad who have gone out with her. On these occasions I do usually remind her it is just the three of us as she gets upset thinking we have lost someone.

[Hidden in reply to hmfsli]

It's tough when rational is dealing with unrational. The thoughts that you might be able to share with her. Reconfirming for my Mom, that she was loved and that we were there for her, brought her comfort; rather than saying she didn't feel or truly didn't believe, saying she was wrong and correcting her. Sometimes going in the direction such as me swinging in the trees (I did do that as a child) so some of it is real, and some not, gave her a calmness and then we would end up laughing about my antics as a child. Maybe ask her who is missing and then think of those memories of that person. It helped draw out her memories and most were fond memories, at least for my Mom. Best of wishes to you and your father with this journey.

[Fletcher-Carter]

My husband Jim's halucinations were usually medicine related and we would change the medicinal dose or change the medicine all together.

[Fletcher-Carter]

A more direct answer is the question is, I would tell my husband he was halucinating and tell him where he was and who was around. Then describe what he had just said. He would say that it seems so real. Then we would discuss what to do. Never in an accusatory manner, but a discussion of a fact.