What are hallucinations?

Hallucinations are any sensations of something that does not actually exist in reality. 

Many people think hallucinations are only visual—seeing something that is not really there. But in fact, hallucinations can involve any or all the five senses—sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound. 

While people with dementia can experience hallucinations of any of the five senses, visual hallucinations are the most common. 

People can experience hallucinations at any point in the progression of dementia, from early in the disease cycle to later in the disease cycle.

Some common hallucinations are: seeing strangers “who’s that man in the living room?”; hearing things “someone is talking outside of the bedroom”; and seeing deceased relatives "my mother is sitting in that chair”.