They are a defining feature of Lewy body dementia and occur in others too. Many are not frightening: seeing children playing in the garden, or a cat on the bed. Distress usually comes from being contradicted.
New or sudden hallucinations warrant a medical review, as they can signal delirium, infection or a medication problem.
Why it matters
Reassuring rather than correcting keeps the person calm, and a sudden onset is a reason to call a doctor.
Sources
Where to check this, and where to read more. All external and all authoritative.
Hallucinations where you live
The local guide on this, for each city we cover.
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Buffalo, NY
- Charlotte, NC
- Chicago, IL
- Columbus, OH
- Dallas, TX
- Denver, CO
- Detroit, MI
- Houston, TX
- Los Angeles, CA
- Memphis, TN
- Milwaukee, WI
- New York, NY
- Philadelphia, PA
- Phoenix, AZ
- San Antonio, TX
- San Diego, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Tucson, AZ