Dementia-related psychosis is a condition where a person with dementia starts to lose touch with reality in ways that can be confusing and distressing for both them and their loved ones. Recognizing the signs early can help in managing the symptoms more effectively.
One of the key signs is **hallucinations**, which means seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t actually there. For example, someone might see people or animals that don’t exist or hear voices talking to them. These experiences are very real to the person but are not based on reality.
Another common sign is **delusions**, which are strong beliefs in things that aren’t true. A person might believe someone is stealing from them, accuse family members of wrongdoing without reason, or feel paranoid and suspicious about others’ intentions.
Changes in behavior often accompany these symptoms. You might notice **agitation**—this can look like shouting, pacing back and forth, or even becoming physically aggressive such as hitting or scratching. Sometimes this agitation happens more in the late afternoon or evening; this pattern is known as “sundowning,” when confusion and restlessness increase as daylight fades.
People with dementia-related psychosis may also show signs of **disorganized thinking**—they might have trouble concentrating, communicate unclearly, or act impulsively without understanding why. They could withdraw socially because they feel scared or confused by what they’re experiencing.
Sleep problems are another important sign; interrupted sleep patterns often occur alongside psychotic symptoms. The person may have difficulty falling asleep or wake up frequently during the night due to hallucinations or anxiety.
Mood changes such as increased anxiety, irritability, depression, and apathy (lack of interest) are also common alongside psychosis in dementia patients. These mood shifts affect how they interact with others and manage daily activities.
Understanding these signs helps caregivers respond with patience and compassion rather than frustration. It’s important to remember these behaviors stem from brain changes caused by dementia—not intentional misbehavior—and professional support can provide strategies for care and treatment options tailored to ease these difficult symptoms over time.
