David and his dad at the beach back in the 1980's
Here's some excellent information that was sent to me by a friend. I really appreciate all the words of encouragement I've received from everyone.. Just call me 'agreeable' now.
From Carrie Hill, PhD, for About.com
Hallucinations are sensory experiences that seem real to people with Alzheimer's disease, yet they are not really happening. The most common hallucinations are visual (seeing something that isn't really there) and auditory (hearing something that isn't really there), but hallucinations can also occur in regard to taste, smell, and touch.
Because hallucinations seem so real to those with Alzheimer's, it is not helpful to try to convince them that they are imagining things. Instead, acknowledge your loved one's feelings, try to reassure him/her that you are there to help, and redirect to a pleasant activity.
Another thing to consider is whether the hallucination is actually bothering your relative. If it's a pleasing hallucination -- for example, your loved one sees birds and flowers outside a window that are not really there -- there may be no benefit in trying to discourage or minimize the behavior.
And I say, "thank you God for so much understanding and advice from friends."
