My father has been diagnosed with PD for some years now but has only recently started having hallucinations. He is cared for mainly by my mum and I am not generally around when these episodes occur but whilst I try and avoid discussing them in his presence for fear of embarrassing him but my immediate family are happy to discuss the details with him.
Does anyone have any experience with these types of situations and advice on what may be the best way of handling the topic?
He has also recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s related dementia and I’m concerned he is not getting enough mental stimulation, are there any simple ways to engage the grey matter other than watching TV?
Many thanks.
Hi Ham,
Welcome to the community. Very sorry to hear about your father’s condition, it must be a very difficult time for all of you.
We have lots of information on hallucinations on our website, which you can find here: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/hallucinations-and-delusions-symptom. We also have information about Parkinson’s dementia over here: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/dementia
You can find local support services which you may find useful over here: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/support-you
And please do try contacting our Helpline, as they’ll be able to advise you further on all the issues you’ve raised. You can reach them via email at [email protected], or call free on 0808 800 0303. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm, and on Saturday from 10am-2pm.
Hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Owen,
Moderation Team.
Hello Ham,
I’m so sorry about the difficult time you and your family are having. My own Dad is in a very similar position to yours so I thought I’d pass on a couple of things we’ve found out.
First of all, it’s worth speaking to your father’s Dr. As soon as possible, because hallucinations can be triggered by some Parkinson’s medication. Also, my Dad is much better and suffers fewer hallucinations when he’s well hydrated. He does forget to drink enough water if he’s not reminded and even mild dehydration seems to make his symptoms much worse.
I know what you mean about watching TV not being mentally stimulating enough! My Dad finds reading very difficult now (eye sight failing and physically holding a book is difficult for him) Could audio books be helpful in providing a different stimulus?
Hope this is some help. I found the info in the link provided in the forum moderator’s reply here really useful.
All best wishes.