Hallucinations?? My Oh was up a crack of dawn , went into the garden and came back to tell me that there were cattle in the field next to our garden.

[NannyRos]

My Oh was up at crack of dawn went into the garden and came back to tell me that there were cattle in the field next to our garden. Went to look , no cattle in any of the fields even in the distance, We are surrounded by sheep and lambs. Is this a sign of more advances in his dementia. We are still waiting for a diagnosis , keep being excuses as to why he hasn't had an appointment to see a consultant , and why they have decided that he doesn't need a scan anymore. Its driving me potty.
Any thoughts on the disappearing cattle ?

 

[Neveradullday!]

Hi @NannyRos
He may have meant to say sheep but 'cattle' came out.
Before my mum had really obvious signs of dementia she would refer to a squirrel on the fence as a sheriff, and pigeons were penguins.

There are hallucinations common with dementia of course, or just making something up that isn't happening. A couple of years ago my mum told me, in all seriousness, that a cow had just come up the stairs. I kid you not.

 

[Grannie G]

Hello @NannyRos

I agree with @Neveradullday! Your husband may have used the wrong word. This is common in many people with dementia who are starting to have language difficulties and word finding problems.

Your husbands name for the sheep was the nearest he could manage

My husband used to see people in our house sitting in his chair. That was a true hallucination because there was never anyone there or any substitute.

I’m really sorry you are so frustrated while waiting for a diagnosis. How often do you contact them to remind them you are still waiting? I’d be on the phone weekly.

 

[NannyRos]

He does get his words mixed up, but just now he said they were definately cattle and I was at fault for not believing him. and they were with the sheep. Every time I phone [ fortnightly ] I am assured that his appointment is on the way , but it never appears .

 

[Grannie G]

Try to accept what he says even if it’s difficult for you. However much you try to correct him he will be unable to accept what you say. I’m sorry. It`s the nature of the illness.

Having to wait so long for an appointment isn’t helping. Do you think your GP would be able to do anything to support you.

If you keep a diary of all the challenges you face daily, it might add strength to your needs.

 

[Blissy]

As the other posts have said it could be your husband couldn't find the right word. My husband is often awake in the night thinking someone is in the house or there are things going on outside. An hallucination that is just part of the journey. Think you just have to go along with it and then reassure that things are now ok. I have posted recently that my husband thought there were people in the house trying to harm us. I told him that it was ok now as I had called the army (he says no police ever about but always relates back to the war ) and had heard them outside arresting the men. This satisfied him and he went back to sleep.

 

[Hon1]

My husband sees people in his bedroom. It's getting more and more often. I just don't know who to ask for help! Memory service ? Maybe. Doctor, apparently as a last resort. We do talk about them together, but can't come up with a solution as to who to ask for help. Anyone got any ideas, please.

 

[Collywobbles]

My husband sees people in his bedroom. It's getting more and more often. I just don't know who to ask for help! Memory service ? Maybe. Doctor, apparently as a last resort. We do talk about them together, but can't come up with a solution as to who to ask for help. Anyone got any ideas, please.

I would say that the doctor is the first resort, not the last. If your husband objects on principle, contact the surgery without him knowing, by email or letter if necessary. Explain what’s happening and ask them to proactively invite him in for an ‘annual health check’ without mentioning dementia, memory or other specific issues. My Mum’s GP surgery is very good at doing this, and the GP or specialist nurse will slip dementia checks into more routine tests. There are meds which can lessen or clear hallucinations, although they’re not suitable for all types of dementia.

 

[maggie6445]

My OH has hallucinations but they are not frightening or worrying him. He usually sees small children and I just go with the story. If he's not bothered by them why should I be? I don't want more meds unless he needs them ,he takes a bucket full already🙂

 

[Kevinl]

Do as said and get him checked out, definitely.
That said look up the dictionary definition of cattle. It was originally a word for 4 legged livestock not just cows.
Custom and usage may mean it's now used to bovines, however, within the strict definition of the word he actually isn't necessarily wrong.
My mum was an American and often used cattle meaning herds of sheep, goats or whatever all her life not just as she aged. K

 

[Neveradullday!]

Hello @Hon1
You say you do talk about them together but can't come up with a solution.
I would say (unless your husband is very distressed by them - then medication may be needed), don't draw attention to them, certainly don't discuss them. Just reassure everything's alright, and be vague and non committal.

My mum has just looked out of the window before and said "There's that man."
Me - "Oh yes"
Her - "It's OK?"
Me - "Yes, it's fine."
Forgotten almost immediately.

I know what you mean, when it first starts you want to take it away - but it is possible to peacefully co-exist with the hallucinations/misperceptions.
They're part of a lot of people's dementia from what I can make out.

 

[PammieA]

My mum started with hallucinations within her home and then experienced 'imposter syndrome' (Capgras). We got her seen immediately by the GP, who referred her to the Adult Mental Health Team, she was assessed and commenced on antipsychotic medication, and sent for a brain scan.
2 months later she was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia.
I am aware that mum was seen and diagnosed extremely quickly, for which I'm grateful.
But I know the services on some area not as quick (it's a post code lottery).
I think the quicker you can get the first appointment with the GP the better.