Your father’s belief that he can fly by flapping hard enough is likely a symptom of his dementia. This type of unusual belief is called a delusion, which is a fixed false idea that persists despite evidence to the contrary[1].
Delusions are common in dementia, especially as the disease progresses. The brain changes caused by dementia can lead to confused thinking and false beliefs that seem very real to the person experiencing them[1][4].
In your father’s case, he has developed what’s known as a “bizarre delusion” – a belief that is clearly impossible or inconsistent with reality[3]. Believing one can fly by flapping their arms falls into this category.
It’s important to understand that your father isn’t choosing to have this belief. The delusion feels completely real and logical to him due to the changes happening in his brain. Trying to argue or reason him out of the belief likely won’t work and may just cause frustration[4].
Instead, it’s best to respond calmly and redirect his attention when he brings up flying. You might say something like “I know you feel you can fly, but let’s focus on having lunch now.” Ensuring he’s in a safe environment where he can’t act on the delusion is also crucial.
If the delusion is causing significant distress or unsafe behavior, speak to your father’s doctor. They may recommend adjusting medications or other treatments to help manage the symptoms[4].
Remember, this delusion doesn’t define your father. He’s still the same person underneath, just experiencing the difficult effects of dementia. Responding with patience and compassion is key. With proper care and support, it’s possible to help him feel more comfortable and secure despite these challenging symptoms.
