Doctor warns about signs of dementiaBy Wu Chun-feng and Esme Yeh / Staff reporter, with staff writerElderly people who experience hallucinations of deceased friends or family members could be showing signs of dementia with acute delirium, a psychiatrist said, urging relatives to help them seek prompt medical evaluations. National Cheng Kung Hospital Dementia Center director Pai Ming-chyi, left, poses for a photograph in Kaohsiung on Jan. 12. Lin was diagnosed with mild dementia with acute delirium, he said. Early-stage dementia is not readily apparent, as signs such as mild forgetfulness, slowed responses or decreased concentration are usually confused by family as signs of normal aging, Shen said. People with dementia are prone to acute delirium particularly when physical illnesses occur, such as infection, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, medication effects or other acute conditions, Shen said.

Source: Taipei Times January 28, 2026 17:23 UTC