For many, Halloween is a season of laughter and imagination. But for individuals living with dementia, flashing lights, eerie sounds, and masked faces can cause significant distress.

Certain types of dementia – particularly Lewy Body dementia and Parkinson’s-related dementia – can make a person more prone to visual hallucinations or misperceptions. The Lewy Body Dementia Association estimates that up to 80% of people with this diagnosis experience hallucinations, which may be triggered by dim lighting, masks, or unfamiliar costumes (Lewy Body Dementia Association, 2023).

Environmental overstimulation also impacts emotional stability. A study published in The Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease found that stressful surroundings increase confusion and agitation, particularly among individuals with sensory processing challenges (Torres et al., 2020).

Caregivers can ease these stressors by keeping environments calm and familiar – using warm lighting, avoiding loud sound effects, and gently preparing loved ones for what to expect. Showing photographs of family members in costume ahead of time or creating “quiet zones” during trick-or-treat hours can help reduce confusion.

Halloween can still be joyful when approached with empathy and creativity. Prioritizing safety and reassurance ensures your loved one experiences comfort and connection amid the festivities.

References Lewy Body Dementia Association. (2023). Understanding visual hallucinations in LBD. https://www.lbda.org Torres, A., Chang, L., & Meyer, P. (2020). Environmental overstimulation and behavioral distress in dementia. Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 78(2), 451–460.

Facts of the Week:

· A Brain journal study found that visual hallucinations in Parkinson’s and Lewy Body dementia are linked to abnormal activity in the visual cortex and attention networks, increasing susceptibility to visual triggers (Stebbins et al., 2021).

· According to Age and Ageing, even mild sensory overstimulation – such as flickering lights – can cause temporary disorientation or anxiety in older adults with cognitive decline (Bates et al., 2018)

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