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Suggest Treatment For Olfactory Hallucination In A Patient With Dementia
Question: MY HOUSEMATE HAS SOME SORT OF DYMENCIA (SHE DESN'T SEEK MEDICAL ADVISE BUT IS VERY FORGETFUL AND CONFUSED). LATELY SHE HAS COMPLAINED OF A SMELL AND HAS TROUBLE DESCRIBING IT. DO PEOPLE WITH APROBLEMS LIKE HER HAVE ILLUSIONS OF AN ORDER? I DON'T SMELL ANYTHING BUT ITS POSSIBLE BECAUSE I HAVE A POOR SENSE OF SMELL. I DON'T KNOW HOW TO HELP HER.
Brief Answer:
Yes but it is called olfactory hallucination
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
It is not uncommon for individuals with dementia to have no awareness of their heslth condition this could be the cause for not seeking help.
Similarly people with dementia have various forms of hallucinations including olfactory, visual, auditory among others. In hallucinations perception takes place without stimulus.
I hope this answers you.
Feel free to contact me back if you have more questions.
Thanks again
Yes but it is called olfactory hallucination
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.
I read your query and understand your concerns.
It is not uncommon for individuals with dementia to have no awareness of their heslth condition this could be the cause for not seeking help.
Similarly people with dementia have various forms of hallucinations including olfactory, visual, auditory among others. In hallucinations perception takes place without stimulus.
I hope this answers you.
Feel free to contact me back if you have more questions.
Thanks again
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
I am going to try to help her decide to see her doctor and talk to her family. One thing at a time, I think, starting with the doctor. XXXXXXX seldom goes to her doctor; really only when she needs to see a Dr. tobget medications. I'll tell her the smell may be a hallucination.
If you have any suggestions pn how to accomplish this feel free to send suggestions. I won't blame you if they do not work. People have suggested that I just tell the Dr. I believe she will stop telling me about her concerns if I do.
She knows she is confused and accepts help from me like driving and advise like keeping a calender and lists. My dog is a comfort for her or she wakes me up is she is really anxious. It's been a struggle because she feeds the dog too often. It will really be a problem If she shuts me down, The Dr may already have noticed and have the same problem, and she'd quit seeking medical care as she has never liked medicne.
If you have any suggestions pn how to accomplish this feel free to send suggestions. I won't blame you if they do not work. People have suggested that I just tell the Dr. I believe she will stop telling me about her concerns if I do.
She knows she is confused and accepts help from me like driving and advise like keeping a calender and lists. My dog is a comfort for her or she wakes me up is she is really anxious. It's been a struggle because she feeds the dog too often. It will really be a problem If she shuts me down, The Dr may already have noticed and have the same problem, and she'd quit seeking medical care as she has never liked medicne.
Brief Answer:
Generally low dose anti psychotics required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
You need to tell everything to her doctor so she will be able to help her. I do not think suggestions work when someone have dementia and confused.
The only suggestion I like to give you is to communicate slowly and with one word at a time. It is also important to use simple sentences rather than complex sentences. It is also important to accept her interpretation but with clear statement that you were not able to smell anything of such kind.
In addition I like to inform you that presence of hallucinations may need use of medications. They are often prescribed for short duration and stopped as soon as possible.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Generally low dose anti psychotics required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.
You need to tell everything to her doctor so she will be able to help her. I do not think suggestions work when someone have dementia and confused.
The only suggestion I like to give you is to communicate slowly and with one word at a time. It is also important to use simple sentences rather than complex sentences. It is also important to accept her interpretation but with clear statement that you were not able to smell anything of such kind.
In addition I like to inform you that presence of hallucinations may need use of medications. They are often prescribed for short duration and stopped as soon as possible.
I hope this helps you.
Feel free to write back to me if you have more questions.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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