Why are my husband's dementia and hallucinations at night?

While many different kinds of cancer spread to other parts of the body, lung cancer is one that spreads to the brain. When this happens, the person may experience headaches, See also:
My husband is experiencing severe nasal drip due to chemo. Any suggestions?

See all 48 questions about Cancer and End of Life even seizures, and other neurological symptoms such as speech problems, confusion, and quite frequently, hallucinations. A hallucination is actually a false perception of reality, almost dreamlike (or even like a nightmare) that the person has while awake. Your husband may see or hear things that you do not. You’re probably quite concerned when you observe this, but rest assured this is very common when the cancer metastasizes or moves from one site to the brain.

You talk about your husband having “dementia” at night. I’m thinking you are referring to confusion he is experiencing at night—again a part of the spread of his cancer to his brain. And, just like you and I are more tired in the evening before we sleep, he, too, is more tired at night and is exhibiting the increased confusion. This would be true of the hallucinations, as well. Some of our hospice patients speak of seeing a loved one who has died before. While this may be alarming to us, for the person near death it can be quite comforting.

It is difficult to determine if the behavior your husband is showing will get worse. Or if he will show the confusion or hallucinations more frequently. While cure is longer an option for him (you state he has hospice), know that caring always is. Try to concentrate on the positive time you have with him and please use your hospice nurse as a resource.

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My Mom has many episodes at night.She is afraid all the time and sees things that arenot there.Her mind does not know it is bedtime. But she sleeps better with the lights on and soft music. I play the same music every night so she associates it with sleep.

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