Did You Know? Parkinson’s Hallucinations and Delusions

One of the lesser-known symptoms of Parkinson’s disease is psychosis, characterized by hallucinations and delusions. Approximately half of Parkinson’s patients experience hallucinations or delusions at some point in their disease progression. 

Hallucinations can be visual, auditory, or olfactory (sight, sound, or smell), although visual is the most common. In a visual hallucination, an individual sees something that isn’t there. They are not always alarming to the individual. Delusions, sometimes characterized by paranoia, are when an individual builds a false story or belief about themselves or the world around them. 

What causes hallucinations and delusions? While the exact cause of Parkinson’s psychosis is unknown, some believe they are caused by dopamine therapies like carbidopa levodopa. Others see it as a natural outcome of disease progression caused by changes to brain chemicals or receptors. 

If you or your loved one experience hallucinations or delusions, it’s important to speak to your medical professional immediately. Some changes to your physical surroundings (brighter lights, removal of trigger objects like coat racks and heavy curtains) can help. Your doctor may also reduce or eliminate some medications in order to reduce your hallucinations and delusions. 

Finally, your doctor may prescribe an antipsychotic medication. It is important to note that many antipsychotic medications worsen Parkinson’s symptoms and should not be prescribed. Currently there is one medication specifically for Parkinson’s hallucinations and delusions – Nuplazid. 

You can learn more about Nuplazid at PRO’s virtual Resource Spotlight meeting on Monday, April 28th at 5 PM PST. Sign up at www.parkinsonsresource.org/calendar. This meeting is sponsored by Acadia and will not be recorded for later distribution, so you must attend virtually at 5 PM on the 28th to learn more. Call (877) 775-4111 with questions.