Dementia question
By | DateRecent question we received about Dementia.
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.