Fact 2: Prevalence of Delusions in Dementia
One alarming fact is that up to 40% of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, experience delusions at some point during their illness. Delusions in dementia aren’t rare, and the percentage indicates a significant portion of patients who deal with this symptom.
However, the prevalence isn’t consistent across all types of dementia. For example, patients with Lewy body dementia tend to experience delusions more frequently. Visual hallucinations, coupled with delusions, are characteristic of this form of dementia, making it a unique subtype in terms of symptomatology.
The variance in prevalence of delusions across dementia types demonstrates the complexity of these conditions. It’s a call for healthcare professionals to tailor care strategies based on the specific type of dementia, considering the possibility of delusions.
Delusions can significantly impact the quality of life of a person with dementia. These fixed, false beliefs can lead to fear, anxiety, and agitation. As a result, they can exacerbate the existing cognitive decline, making it more challenging for the person and their caregivers.(2)
