What are delusions?

Yes, they can be. Delusions are firmly held beliefs in things that are not real, and the Alzheimer's Association says they may occur in the middle to late stages of Alzheimer's. A person may believe a relative is stealing from them, a partner is unfaithful, or the police are following them. The belief feels real to them, so it helps not to take accusations personally.

Memory loss is often behind them. The National Institute on Aging explains that a person who forgets where they put something may believe someone took it, and one who forgets who the caregiver is may think they are a stranger. Blaming others may be the only explanation that makes sense to them. An illness or medicine can also cause delusions, so tell the doctor.

Do not argue or try to convince the person. The Alzheimer's Association suggests listening to what is troubling them, reassuring them that you care, giving a short and simple answer, and switching to another activity. If they keep searching for a lost item, such as a wallet, keep a duplicate on hand. Remember that the disease is causing the behavior.

Non-drug approaches are the first treatment. The Alzheimer's Association says that if delusions are severe, there is a fear of harm to the person or caregiver, or the beliefs are extremely troubling, a medical evaluation should decide whether medication is needed. Antipsychotics can help in some situations but carry an increased risk of stroke and death in older adults with dementia.

A delusion is a false belief, and a hallucination is a false sensation. The Alzheimer's Association explains that someone with a delusion may be convinced a relative is stealing from them, while someone having a hallucination sees, hears, smells, tastes or feels something that is not there. People with dementia can experience both, and both deserve a calm response rather than an argument.