Hearing fish talk might sound strange, but for someone with dementia like your mother, it’s not uncommon to experience unusual sensory perceptions. Dementia can cause the brain to misinterpret information, leading to hallucinations or false beliefs.
When the brain is affected by dementia, it can create sensory experiences that aren’t real. Your mother might genuinely hear voices that she associates with the fish, even though fish can’t actually talk. This is called an auditory hallucination.
These hallucinations often seem very real to the person experiencing them. Your mother likely isn’t making this up or trying to get attention – in her mind, she really does hear the fish talking.
Hallucinations in dementia can involve any of the senses, but visual and auditory ones are most common. Sometimes they’re triggered by environmental factors, like shadows or background noise that the brain misinterprets.
It’s important to respond calmly and avoid arguing about whether the fish are really talking. This will only cause frustration. Instead, try to gently redirect her attention or engage her in an activity she enjoys.
If the hallucinations are upsetting to your mother or interfering with daily life, it’s a good idea to speak with her doctor. They may be able to adjust medications or suggest other ways to manage the symptoms.
Remember, even though your mother’s perception isn’t accurate, her experience feels very real to her. Approaching the situation with patience and understanding will help both of you navigate this challenging aspect of dementia.
