Has anyone run into this pattern with their LO? Mom is 92, in NH, health is good except for blind and “dementia”. She was never diagnosed with any specific type of dementia, her “normal” behavior I would characterize funny, pleasant, singing, and loving, no outbursts or delusions or hallucinations, just zero short term memory. EXCEPT about every 4-6 weeks or so she gets into a pattern of what I would call agitation. This is preceded by a few days of being exceptionally alert and having really cognizant conversation. I can almost predict it (I tell my DH that she was “too good today”), knowing it’s leading up to more and more alertness, then agitation/insomnia, and I warn the staff when I think she’s going to be a handful that night. She thinks she’s back at work, having to complete work tasks and talks to people from her work past. Her “busyness” keeps her awake for up to 48 hours. They usually keep her out by the desk, because she tries to get out of bed to get back to work. After 24-48 hours of this she finally crashes and sleeps for a couple of days, then back to normal on Day 3.
Has anyone experienced this type of cyclical delusion? Is it a particular type of dementia? It’s scary to deal with, although I’m getting a little more used to it, and not panicking like I used to, demanding UTI tests that ended up being negative.
Now that you mention it Moms worst episode was during the last Full Moon we had...what? about 3 wks ago. Didn't notice on her 1st episode ...will be tracking it going forward.....
I attributed it to over stimulation so have been reluctant to let her engage in any such activities. A friend wanted to take her to the annual neighborhood party recently. I almost adamantly said no for fear of another attack. Glad I didn't as she had the best time......it all worked out....I was working so couldn't take her.
The silliest thing worked for us.....maybe it will work for you. When I finally got her to lay down she refused to close her eyes so I gently closed them with my hand a few times and left my hand there for a bit and it seemed to work.
Lets keep this thread going to assist each other! xxx000
Betsey
During her manic episode she keeps insisting her deceased husband is in the garage and she wants to look for him no matter that it is dark outside. There is no convincing her otherwise. She is not so much agitated as she is busy going thru drawers and papers and walking around rather fast and surprising well without a cane or walker; generally making a mess of anything she gets into.
She won't eat or sleep for 12-24 hrs. TG she will drink. My Mom is in her own home so I imagine your Mom in the NH gets more agitated as this high energy episode has a limited outlet.
She does however get agitated when I try to interfere with whatever she is doing. Her DR called this ODD...Obstinate Defiant Disorder. It is so scary as I think ...this is it....the new normal...I have lost her now. Just like your Mom she sleeps for 24-48 hrs afterwards and is OK again.
I gave her an Ativan that was prescribed post stroke 3 yrs ago and it helped a great deal. Am wondering if anyone knows of any other Meds to give during these episodes...was it OK to give the Ativan?
Her Dr just retired and we have been assigned a new Dr. so I feel very lost during this time of crisis.
Her bi-polar causes her to have days of agitation/obsessions and sleeplessness.
Maybe your mum has undiagnosed bi-polar?
Based on what I have seen ,most people with dementia have some sort of delusions and sleep disorder at some point and time.