Why is my grandmother with dementia convinced her shadow is someone following her?

Grandma’s Shadow Friend: Understanding Dementia Hallucinations

When your grandmother with dementia thinks her shadow is a person following her, it’s called a visual hallucination. This is pretty common for people with dementia. Their brains start to play tricks on them, making them see things that aren’t really there.

Shadows can be especially tricky for someone with dementia. As the sun moves or lights change, shadows shift and move too. To your grandma’s confused mind, this might look like someone sneaking around. It’s not her fault – her brain is just having trouble making sense of what her eyes are seeing.

These shadow mix-ups often happen more in the evening or at night. This is because of something called “sundowning,” where dementia symptoms get worse as the day goes on. Dim lighting and longer shadows can make things even more confusing.

For your grandma, this shadow person feels very real. It’s important not to argue with her about it or tell her she’s wrong. Instead, try to make her feel safe. You could close the curtains to get rid of the shadows, or turn on more lights to make the room brighter.

Sometimes, simple changes can help a lot. Make sure your grandma’s eyesight is checked regularly. Poor vision can make these hallucinations worse. Also, keep her surroundings tidy and familiar. Too much clutter or new things can be confusing and lead to more mix-ups.

Remember, your grandma isn’t doing this on purpose. Her brain is struggling to understand the world around her. The best thing you can do is stay calm, be patient, and help her feel secure. If the hallucinations are really upsetting her, it’s a good idea to talk to her doctor. They might have some other ways to help.

Dealing with dementia isn’t easy, but understanding why these things happen can make it a bit less scary for everyone. Your grandma needs your love and support now more than ever.