Frightened by the mirror or talking to their reflection

My dad talks to the mirror as if it's another person and sometimes gets scared by it. Should I cover the mirrors?

Seeing your dad argue with his own reflection, or run from it, is unsettling. But there's an explanation — and simple solutions.

Why it happens

As dementia progresses, the person may stop recognising their own aged face (a form of agnosia). In their memory, they are decades younger — so the reflection is "a stranger in the house": it can be a frightening intruder, or a visitor they chat with.

Practical strategies

• Do not correct or ridicule ("that's you!"): for them, it isn't. Correcting only causes shame or conflict.
• If the reflection frightens or agitates, cover or remove problematic mirrors — especially in the bedroom and bathroom at night. A simple curtain or frosted film can solve this.
• If talking to the mirror is neutral or pleasant, you don't need to intervene: it's not causing harm.
• Pay attention to less obvious reflective surfaces: windows at night, glass doors, switched-off televisions.
• During episodes of fear, calmly guide the person away to another room and change the focus (a drink, music, a task).

When to talk to the doctor

If the episodes are accompanied by intense terror, visions of people who don't exist in other circumstances, or a sudden change in behaviour, report it to the doctor — it could indicate another type of hallucination or delusion that warrants evaluation.

Sources: Alzheimer's Association; Alzheimer's Society (UK).