Tactile Hallucinations
Feeling and touching things that are not there, is not uncommon. I have seen someone with Alzheimer's disease stroke a cat. They not only see the cat but can feel their fur, and seem to feel the shape of it too.
Olfactory Hallucinations
Smelling things that aren't there is quite common in both younger and older people. It rarely causes distress.
Gustatory Hallucinations
People with Alzheimer's may believe they are eating something that either does not exist or it may be they are confused about what it is they are eating. Gustatory hallucinations (taste) may be experienced in combination with delusional thoughts, such as thinking someone is trying to poison them, or tricking them into eating something disgusting.
Hallucinations may be the result of diseases other than Alzheimer's. Epilepsy, infections or tumors are examples. It is important that your doctor investigates the possible alternatives.
Unless hallucinations appear to cause distress there may be a case for not intervening with medication. Use of antipsychotic medications may help with symptoms but they have costs as well as benefits and need to be considered in the overall context of the wellbeing of the patient.
Related Links
Causes of Hallucinations in Alzheimer's Disease
