What may be causing this
- Underlying disease, particularly Lewy body dementia
- Poor lighting, shadows, mirrors, or reflections
- Vision or hearing loss
- Infection or dehydration
- Medication effects
What to try first
- Do not argue about what is real; respond to the feeling
- Increase lighting and remove mirrors or reflective surfaces
- Redirect toward a calm, familiar activity
- Reassure that the person is safe and you are there
What usually makes it worse
- Insisting the hallucination is not real
- Dark rooms and loud television
- Abrupt medication changes made without guidance
Simple things you can do today
- Note what is seen, when, and where
- Schedule an eye exam if vision has not been checked recently
- Improve lighting in hallways and bathrooms
When to call the doctor
- Hallucinations are new, frightening, or increasing
- Any suspicion of infection
- You are considering medication for hallucinations — some antipsychotics are dangerous in Lewy body dementia
When it may be an emergency
- Threats or acts of violence toward self or others
- Sudden confusion, weakness, slurred speech, or facial droop
- A fall with head injury, especially on a blood thinner
Related resources
Medically reviewed. Last reviewed August 2026. This page is educational information, not individualized medical advice.