Confabulation isn't a disorder itself. It's a symptom of an underlying disorder. Doctors are still working to define confabulation and their understanding of the brain changes that cause it to occur.

What is an example of confabulation?

While confabulation involves presenting false information, the person doing so believes that what they are remembering is true. For example, a person with dementia may be able to clearly describe the last time they met with their doctor, even if the scenario they depict never actually happened.

Why does confabulation happen?

Confabulation is caused by brain damage or poor brain function, but researchers are unsure which parts of the brain are at fault. The frontal lobe or the basal forebrain may be involved. Confabulation occurs with several brain disorders. These are some of the most common.