Visual perception problems | Alzheimer's Society

Hallucinations and dementia

Dementia may cause a person to have hallucinations. This is most common in people living with dementia with Lewy bodies, although other types of dementia may also cause hallucinations.

Misperceptions and misidentifications, and dementia

A person with dementia may mistake objects or people for things they are not. Misperceptions and misidentifications can be caused by problem with a person's eyes, or by problems with the brain. Find out how to support a person who is experiencing this.

How can dementia change a person's perception?

People with dementia experience changes in how they perceive things. This includes misperceptions and misidentifications, hallucinations, delusions and time-shifting.

Booklets about sensory changes and supporting a deaf person, and new films featuring dementia

New, useful and interesting dementia resources.

01 February 2021

Communicating and dementia – other resources

Here are other useful organisations that can provide more information and support about good communication with a person with dementia.

Improving coordination in Posterior Cortical Atrophy and Alzheimer’s disease

Research project: Developing strategies to support reaching and coordination for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease

Sight and hearing loss with dementia

Sight and hearing loss are both more common as you get older. For a person with dementia, this can cause extra problems, such as confusion about what's happening around them and problems with communication.

Dementia and sensory impairment: communicating

Many people with dementia will have hearing loss, sight loss or both. You might find the tips for communicating helpful.

Other health professionals

You may see other health professionals in your home, a care home or in hospital. These professionals provide help with specific areas of physical health listed in this section.

Understanding the impact of visual impairment on life with dementia

Research project: Understanding the effects of concurrent visual impairment on the experience and diagnosis of dementia.

Hearing and eyesight

Hearing and eyesight problems can increase confusion in people with dementia, so it's important to monitor these.

‘Mirror reflections cause confusion for my mum with dementia’

For Lickety Glitz's mom, who lives with dementia, window and mirror reflections have been a source of confusion. Read her story, which she describes as 'grounded in the joy of being Mom’s caregiver'.