Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a condition that wreaks havoc on nearly 7 million people across America. And in 2025, that number is expected to jump to nearly 13 million.
Everyone knows what AD looks like, and both patients and their loved ones understand how difficult living with AD can be. But many don’t know that AD can also bring on psychosis, an overwhelming and difficult condition for both the patient and their loved ones.
Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Psychosis
Alzheimer’s Disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects older adults and is the most common cause of dementia. It’s characterized by the gradual decline of memory, thinking, and behavior. As it progresses, people may also experience cognitive impairments. As a result, living with AD can significantly reduce quality of life and make daily activities challenging.
AD patients can also experience psychosis, which is characterized by hallucinations and delusions. In other words, this condition alters an AD patient’s reality and – as a result – their state of mind. Up to half of AD patients experience psychosis.
Hallucinations and Delusions in AD
There are a variety of hallucinations and delusions that can occur with psychosis in Alzheimer’s Disease. Hallucinations can include:
Visual
A patient may see things that are not there like people, animals, or objects.
Auditory
A patient may hear voices or sounds that didn’t occur.
Olfactory
A patient may smell odors that are not present.
Tactile
A patient may feel sensations on their skin that are not there.
Delusions in AD psychosis can include:
Paranoia
Patients may believe that others (friends, family, caregivers, medical staff) are trying to harm them.
Misidentification
Patients may mistake familiar people or places.
Jealousy
Patients have unfounded suspicions of infidelity.
Theft
Patients may believe that their possessions have been or are being stolen.
As with all AD symptoms, psychosis can have a significant impact on both patients and caregivers. Not only do patients experience more agitation and distress, they can also experience a faster cognitive decline. This can make daily life difficult and scary for them.
For caregivers, psychosis increases the burden of care and stress. For many who are family or friends, this burden can become so difficult that they need professional assistance from either in-home care or care facilities.
Causes and Risks of Psychosis in AD
There are two main causes behind psychosis in AD patients:
It’s important to note that the risk for psychosis in AD patients is often determined by the severity of their dementia, the presence of other psychiatric conditions, and visual and hearing impairments. The more compounded or severe these factors are, the higher the risk is for psychosis.
Diagnosing and Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
There are different methods that doctors use to diagnose and assess AD, including a clinical evaluation. This evaluation will be thorough and cover multiple aspects of assessment, including:
When assessing AD psychosis, many doctors use specific rating scales like the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD), and more.
For an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will do their best to rule out other medical conditions, medicine side effects, and other psychiatric disorders.
Treating Alzheimer’s Disease Psychosis
Treating psychosis in AD patients involves both at-home and medicinal options. For at-home treatments, or non-pharmacological, caregivers and patients can do the following.
01
Modify the Environment
Reducing sensory overload or deprivation as well as stress can help lessen how prominent and frequent the psychosis is.
02
Incorporate Behavioral Interventions
Caregivers may find that some psychosis symptoms are attached to triggers or emotions. Create an environment that minimizes these.
03
Research and Find Additional Support
Learning more about how to cope with challenging behaviors and finding a community that understands will help lessen the burden of care. These resources can also help the patient feel more seen and supported in what can often feel like a disconnected time.
If at-home adjustments are ineffective or not enough, doctors may prescribe medications to address the psychosis. These medications can range from antipsychotic medications to mood stabilizers.
It’s important to note that, due to the potential risks and limited evidence in AD patients, medications are used cautiously as a treatment method.
Connect with ClinCloud for AD Psychosis Clinical Trials
If you or someone you care for is an Alzheimer’s Disease patient who is suffering from psychosis, then you may be eligible to partake in clinical trials. These trials work to offer innovative treatments and provide answers about current options.
At ClinCloud, we match patients to trials that best suit their needs and work diligently to provide a community for them – all at no cost to you or your healthcare provider!
Participating in Clinical Trials for AD Psychosis
With still so much to learn about AD and how psychosis plays a role in it, clinical trials are helpful both for patients and researchers to discover and refine effective treatments. Trials also help to evaluate the safety and efficacy of existing medications and help healthcare providers better understand AD psychosis.
Current clinical trials for AD psychosis are focused on:
Matching with Trials
Matching with clinical trials for psychosis is a detailed and thorough process to ensure patient safety.
If you are interested in taking part in a trial, you’ll have to consider:
Choosing ClinCloud is Choosing Community
With two offices located in Central Florida and the Space Coast, ClinCloud is proud to serve the diverse community of Florida state!
We also provide more than a simple matching process. We offer:
Our above-and-beyond dedication to your health and well-being is what sets us apart and makes us a leading clinic for trials!
Helping Friends or Family with Psychosis in Alzheimer’s Disease
If you have a friend or loved one who’s suffering from AD psychosis, then you know how difficult it can be to watch. Often, you may also feel helpless amid their deterioration. However, there are ways to support them!
If you are looking for resources on Alzheimer’s and psychosis, consider the Alzheimer’s Association, National Institute on Aging, and your local support groups and mental health services.
Alzheimer’s Disease With Psychosis
Alzheimer’s Disease With Psychosis
Match with a Trial Through ClinCloud Today
At ClinCloud, we take pride in providing a variety of resources and services that help you find the clinical trial that’s best for your medical condition. Suffering from psychosis and Alzheimer’s Disease? Contact us today to learn more about how we can accommodate you, and match you with a trial that’s safe and best for your health.