Seeing people or animals that aren't there

My mum says there are children in the living room or a cat on the bed, but there's nothing there. Should I tell her it's not true?

Hearing your mum describe people or animals that aren't there is unsettling. How you react can either calm or worsen the situation.

Why it happens

Visual hallucinations are relatively common in dementia, especially in Lewy body dementia and Parkinson's disease, but they can also arise from poor lighting, vision problems, infections (especially urinary), dehydration, or medication side effects. The brain "fills in" what the eyes don't confirm.

How to react in the moment

• Do not argue about reality. For her, it is real. Strongly denying it generates fear and distrust.
• Respond to the emotion: if she is scared, reassure her ("I'm here with you, you are safe"); if she is neutral, you don't need to make a big deal of it.
• Check for simple causes: shadows, reflections, coats hanging up, TV on, poor lighting. Improving lighting reduces many episodes.
• Confirm that her glasses are clean and the prescription is up to date.
• Gently distract her: move to another room, offer a cup of tea, put on some music.

When it's urgent

If hallucinations appear suddenly (hours/days) or come with fever, drowsiness, or severe agitation, think of delirium — often caused by infection — and contact a doctor urgently. Always report hallucinations to the doctor: in some types of dementia, common medications can worsen them and should be avoided.

Sources: Alzheimer's Society (UK); NIA — National Institute on Aging (USA).