I always go to www.alz.org for tips on any kind of help I need for caring for dementia patients. I encourage you to subscribe to their seasonal newsletters. They are filled with GREAT info.

Here are 4 tips from page 6 of the Spring 2010 issue:
1. Plan more active days. Take a walk in the afternoon instead of letting her nap. Someone who naps throughout the day isn’t going to be able to sleep through the night. Slow the pace towards bedtime. Establish calm in the household if possible. Dim the lights.

2. Monitor diet. Restrict sweets and caffeine to the morning hours. Serve dinner early, and offer only a light snack or meal before bedtime.

3. Seek medical advice. Don’t suffer in silence. Describe your loved one’s behaviors and ask the doctor for help. He or she might be able to prescribe a sleep aide to help her relax for sleeping.

4. Change sleeping arrangements. Try a different bedroom or a favorite sofa or recliner. Partially light the room to reduce agitation that occurs when it is dark or feels unfamiliar.

Remember, that nighttime restlessness usually doesn’t last forever. In the meantime, be sure your home is safe if your mother gets up and wanders at night. Restrict access to certain rooms, use tall safety gates between rooms and consider door monitors on outside doors to alert you to her wandering.

When she is alert and upset, approach her in a calm manner. Find out if there is something she needs or if she thinks she is looking for someone. Gently remind her of the time of day. Avoid arguing or asking for explanations. Offer reassurance that everything is all right and everyone is safe. Distract to another activity or walk with her to another room in the home that she might prefer. Call the Alzheimer’s HelpLIne 800-273-2555 for more assistance. From Sheryl O’Neal, Care For Life, Elder Consultant

Q: My mother goes to bed around 8pm and wakes up in about an hour greatly disturbed and almost frantic. Can you give me some ideas on how to help her sleep better?

A: Have you asked her why? Even though it’s hard to talk to loved ones with dementia, think about what you hear her saying when she calls out. Does she sound afraid? Might she be having nightmares? Is she afraid of the dark, a noise? What does she think will happen to her? One way to find out eliminate things it could be, like try leaving the light on instead of off.try sitting with her till she sleeps/try keeping her up longer during the day ( if it’s at all possible, sometimes you can’t control their sleep) I’d try to console her and ask her what she is afraid of…Talk to her like you would a child that’s afraid, Be gentle…by Rosemary in Duluth, MN

A: I was having the same trouble with my mom. What kinds of meds is she on? Mom has antidepressants, An anti-anxiety med might help during the day, and at night perhaps a prescription from her doctor to help calm her down. She now sleeps from early evening until 8am or later. Occasionally she’ll have a bad night, but for the most part, sleeps well. Her doctor is your best resource. When you describe her wakefulness he will know what to prescribe to help her sleep. She might be hallucinating and seeing things that scare her. This is all a part of dementia. Seek advice from her doctor first and foremost.Hope this helps. From Dee in Orlando.