Hello,
I’m here just kind of looking for some answers. My mom is currently taking care of my Grandmother. Recently, she has begun talking to inanimate objects. A short time ago she addressed a cat on her jacket and began talking to it as if a real cat. Then today, she began talking to her cup as if having a conversation with a child/toddler. I did some research and found that there were some articles regarding a connection between LBD and Face Pareidolia. However, I was wondering if this falls into more of the category of anthropomorphism than face Pareidolia as she was addressing the cats on her jacket. Which lead to me to wonder if there was a connection between anthropomorphism and LBD or Alzheimer’s? I’m not sure if anyone has made a connection between those specifically? Or if this has happened to anyone else? She is up to date on all appointments and has not tested for any infections that may have additional health related affects.
Thank you,
A concerned and curious Grandson
When a person with Alzheimer's or other dementia hallucinates, he or she may see, hear, smell, taste or feel something that isn't there. Some hallucinations may be frightening, while others may involve ordinary visions of people, situations or objects from the past.
Hallucinations are false perceptions of objects or events involving the senses. These false perceptions are caused by changes within the brain that result from Alzheimer's, usually in the later stages of the disease. The person may see the face of a former friend in a curtain or may see insects crawling on his or her hand. In other cases, a person may hear someone talking and may even engage in conversation with the imagined person.
Alzheimer's and other dementias are not the only cause of hallucinations. Other causes include:
Schizophrenia
Physical problems, such as kidney or bladder infections, dehydration, intense pain, or alcohol or drug abuse
Eyesight or hearing problems
Medications
Here is a link to the rest of the article: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/hallucinations
When a brain is diseased, many illogical things begin to happen. I have no knowledge of the afflictions you mention, nor do I know if there is a connection between them and dementia. I do know that what your grandmother is doing, however, is a normal part of the dementia she's afflicted with. The behavior can wax & wane, too, from one day to the next.
Wishing you the best!