My grandmother with Charles Bonnet Syndrom has started to yell and swear at people who aren't there. Could this be Alzheimer's?

Hi Lisa,
It's certainly possible that she may have Alzheimer's disease. There are many people who have more than one type of dementia, as well. She absolutely needs to be seen by a specialist who can make a diagnosis and help her in any way possible.
Take care,
Carol

My mother has macular degeneration and has been diagnosed with Charles Bonnet syndrome. She too has had some serious issues with hallucinations that she interacts with. She too has called the police because she saw people digging a whole in the front yard. She interacts with them and even tries to get us to interact with them. Sometimes she even gets mad when we try to tell her they are not real.
We are extra concerned because my mothers brother had Alzheimers, and her sister Dementia. My mother also has a history of Manic Depression. So, it is difficult to tell if this is just Charles Bonnet, or something more.

Is CharlesBonnet syndrome a dementia?

How do they diagnoise Charles Bonnett?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Bonnet_syndrome provides some info. It is related to macular degeneration and is not a type of dementia, based on what my eye doctor explained. Assumptions of dementia can be made without checking for physical health, vision, and hearing problems first. Fear and having dementia such a predominant topic cause this lack of a holistic approach, IMO.