Dementia Support Line
Advice
Is it typical for people with dementia to sleep a lot during the day?
People with dementia, especially those in the later stages, can often spend a lot of time sleeping. This can sometimes be worrying for carers, friends and family. Find out why a person with dementia might sleep more than an average person of their age.
It is quite common for a person with dementia, especially in the later stages, to spend a lot of their time sleeping – both during the day and night. This can sometimes be distressing for the person’s family and friends, as they may worry that something is wrong.
Sleeping more and more is a common feature of later-stage dementia. As the disease progresses, the damage to a person’s brain becomes more extensive and they gradually become weaker and frailer over time.
As a result, a person with dementia may find it quite exhausting to do relatively simple tasks like communicating, eating or trying to understand what is going on around them. This can make the person sleep more during the day as their symptoms become more severe.
Some medications may contribute to sleepiness. These include some antipsychotics, antidepressants, antihistamines and of course sleeping pills.
Sleeping disorders unrelated to dementia, such as having breathing that occasionally stops during sleep (known as ‘apnoea’), can also contribute to sleeping for longer.
What should I do if a person with dementia is sleeping a lot?
If the person is in the later stages of dementia and they have gradually started sleeping more and more, it is likely to be due to the dementia progressing.
However, if the excessive sleeping has started more suddenly, or the person doesn’t seem well in other ways, it may have another cause.
If this is the case you should speak to the GP, to rule out any infections or conditions that could be affecting the person's sleep. It may also be worth asking for a medication review with the GP or speaking to a pharmacist as medication can cause a range of side effects.
Providing the person doesn’t appear to be uncomfortable or distressed, then sleeping more during the day isn’t normally a reason to be worried.
However, if a person is lying down in bed and asleep for most of the time they will need to be looked after to make sure they don’t develop any physical health problems. This sort of care is normally done by a health or social care professional in a care home or hospice. If the person is still living at home though, then it’s important to get advice from your GP or nurse on how best to do this.
Why does dementia affect sleep?
Problems with sleep are very common for people with dementia. They can include:
- sleeping during the day and being awake and restless during the night
- becoming disorientated in the dark if they wake up to use the toilet
- waking up more often and staying awake longer during the night
- getting up in the early hours and thinking it’s day time or time to go to work (disorientation in time)
- not being able to tell the difference between night and day.
Nobody completely understands why dementia affects sleeping patterns. For some people, it may be that their internal ‘biological clock’, which judges what time it is, becomes damaged so the person starts to feel sleepy at the wrong time of day.
There are also other parts of the brain which control whether or not we stay awake, and these may also not work properly if they become damaged.
Sometimes a person with dementia might completely reverse their normal sleep pattern, staying up all night and then sleeping all day.
It's common for people with dementia, especially in the later stages, to spend a lot of their time sleeping
Does quality of sleep matter for people with dementia?
The quality of a person's sleep gradually deteriorates as they get older. They tend to get less deep or ‘slow-wave’ sleep, which helps to keep the brain healthy and refreshed.
Even though a person with dementia may end up sleeping more than a typical person of their age – even as much as 14–15 hours a day – it is unlikely to all be good quality sleep.
Sleeping a lot can also be influenced by people’s sleeping patterns before they had dementia, as some people need more sleep than others.
Sleep for people who have dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s disease
The type of dementia you have can affect your sleep.
People who have dementia caused by Lewy body disease, such as Parkinsons’ disease (PD) or dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are often sleepy by day but have very restless and disturbed nights. They can suffer from confusion, nightmares and hallucinations. Insomnia, sleep apnoea (breathing difficulties) and restless legs are common symptoms.
A person affected with these types of dementia may often unknowingly ‘act’ out their dreams by shouting and moving around in bed.
They can even cause injury to themselves and/or their sleeping partner. This is called rapid eye movement (REM) sleep behaviour disorder or RBD, and tends to happen from the earliest stages of the disease onwards.
This can be exhausting and often leaves the person feeling like they haven’t slept at all, so they are very tired and sleepy during the day.
It can be hard to stay awake during the day after a poor night’s sleep but, if possible, it’s best to try to limit sleep during the day to small bursts or ‘catnaps’. Otherwise the person’s body clock can become very confused and this makes sleeping well during the night even harder.
Read more about sleep and dementia
Learn more about how dementia can affect sleeping patterns, as well as our tips for healthy sleep.
This article was first published in 2019. It was most recently updated on 29 January 2024.
GTucker
saysMy elderly mum was diagnosed with advanced Alzheimer’s and dementia 4 week ago. Myself and my sister have been caring for her at my home and at my sisters as mum isn’t able to do anything for herself. 7 days ago mum had a bleed on her brain and is in hospital now. Only I can visit due to COVID. The dementia has taken hold now. Mum isn’t eating she is sleeping all day and it’s very worrying. If she survives this I want her to live with me full time and give her the best care I possibly can. She looked after us and our grandchildren and I’ve promised I won’t put her into a care home to be left sat in a chair all day. I’m trying to keep positive that she will be rehabilitated over the coming weeks. I’m keeping everything crossed she can come home to me.
Please do call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456 if you or your sister need someone to talk to, or if you are seeking dementia-related information and advice. More details about the support line (including opening hours) are here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
Wishing you all the best during this difficult time.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Julie
saysHi im sorry to hear this, honestly though it will be the hardest time for you if you take your mum home but i definitely understand your reasoning for it.
you and i are very similiar although im a only child and it is my dad with alzeimers. I tried and tried my best to keep dad at home, my job is a carer and i have experience in working with dementia but when its your own omg it was the most stressful time in my life, you wont have you time as its a 24 hour job. My dad was admitted to hospital where he stayed for 19 weeks and on the 11th October i accepted a care home place, i can visit my dad daily still do the things that we previously done but its good to go to my bed at night with less worry yes i still worry about him and probably always will but i know hes in the right place not only for him but myself also.
Nancy
saysHello Julie,
Your comment hit home with me. I too am an only child with a mother who has Dementia. I made the decision to place my mother in a Dementia Care Facility. It was not an easy decision. I was able to provide 24 hour in home care for my mom with Hospice services as well as having hired aides to be with her 24/7. As her disease progresed it became even more challenging to keep her at home. Her behavior was very challenging and detrimental to her and those around her. She was refusing medication, daily care, fighting the caregivers and not eating. She became dangerous to herself and others. I struggled about putting her in a facility. My mom didn't want to go and I wanted to maintain her care at home. After much prayer and research as well consultations with her Hospice team and her Primary Doctor, I made the decision to place her. You are so right that you definitely sleep better knowing that trained professionals are caring for your loved one. My mom had a tough transition initially however she is taking her medication now. Her behavior is still challenging, but much better than when she was at home. She is receiving good care. Unfortunately the disease is progressing rapidly and there's no way she could have remained at home. I still worry about her and can visit her anytime. When I leave her I know that she's being taken care of. The staff at the facility and her Hospice team support me as well as take care of my mom. Many people going through this feel obligated to repay family members with Dementia for the times that they were cared for/ raised by their love one. If they are able to care for them at home that is fine. I would have liked to have kept my mom at home too. My mom did a lot for me and others too. It was an agonizing decision, but in looking out for her best interest as her daughter and a licensed Social Worker. I made the decision that protected my mother's health, access to immediate trained medical care and staff, and her dignity.
If anyone else is going through this journey I hope that my comments are helpful.
Pastor Parrish Hill
saysI am going through this with my Mother and I pray for your Mom, you and your Sister. ✝️
Janet
saysWe do love our mom's specially the ones who took good care of us. There does come a time when dementia gets so bad they need to be under medical care 24 hrs a day 7 days a wk. This is the hardest part. If your not careful you will break you health down worrying your self sick about your mom. Do your part and let medical people do theirs and allow God to give you peace about your mom's condition. Our mothers or Fathers have their lives. Sure you still go see them take them gifts and make sure they are being treated correctly! Got have some faith in God so give him all your concerns and worries to him. Allow God to work his magic! Have a great day!
Claire Dixon
saysI WANT MY MAMA BACK TO NORMAL! MAMA!!!☹️😢😭💔 Religion makes me feel WORSE, not better, and I wish people would accept that about me. I am a highly sensitive person and also have multiple disabilities. So although I'm middle-aged, having a sick mother really upsets me beyond words. I'm an atheist and proud of it. I DESPERATELY wish Mama did not have dementia!! It's been three painful years.
Roberta Brown
says🙏🏻🙏🏻
Irene Prins
saysBut is this what she wants!
Loretta Panassidi
saysMy husband was diagnosed with dementia 4 years ago. Last year he had Covid and was in the hospital and rehab for 8 months. This progressed the dementia. He walks with a walker. His legs are very frail. I think he is going into the late stages of dementia. He is incontinent. Hardly eats. Now he is sleeping all night and most of the day. Yesterday he wouldn’t take a shower. He said I was not his boss. He cries a lot. I can’t leave his side. If I am outside walking the dog he panics. He is hallucinating at times. Sees people who he thinks are going to take our dog. I need help, but, I can’t afford to pay a health aide. We are on a fixed income and making ends meet. I’m getting very depressed. Don’t know what to do. My husband and I have been married 57 years. This was supposed to be the best time of our lives!! My heart breaks for him.
Anonymous
saysHello Loretta,
We're really sorry to hear about your husband, it sounds like you both are going through a very difficult time. Please know that you are not alone, and we are here for you.
We strongly recommend calling our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456 to speak with one of our trained dementia advisers. They can listen to you and provide advice and support specific to your situation. More information about the support line, including opening hours, is available here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
We hope this helps, Loretta. Please do call our support line.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Thelma Mack
saysI am dealing with the same thing. We have been married 53 years. 😣
Darlene
saysHi Loretta, I'm Darlene. I am sorry for what you're going through for I understand. I too am going to much. My husband left me 2012. Move to another state. Gone almost 10byrs. Relocated back ; I not know a thing of his now conditions. Multiple cerebellum strokes back of brain, fluid building on brain, Vascular Dementia, Prostate problems, High blood pressure and high cholesterol. He's living with me . My whole life as I knew has changed. I'm almost always tired, angry and just not know what to do with him. He's a veteran but not qualify for nursing home, group homes or home help. I work 10 hr daily outside the home and come home to work more. He has incontinence problems along behavior. It's a lot. And I do under your feeling. Having no life it seems for all I do can hardly breathe. To get assistance from VA one has to be 70% disable. He's disable just not VA 70% disable. You know it's hard and there's no help. I am taking it day by day and it's wearing on me
chrystine blums
saysMs. P
saysI’m entering into the same situation with my 78 yr old hubby. Parkinson’s and Vascular Dementia. Today is a good day, Praise God! Tomorrow he may be in that ‘fog’ again, which sends me to my pillow for a good cry. We also do not have financial resources to pay for assisted living. I’m still doing it all and only taking a break for me today because he’s fairly normal now. When I pressed him for an answer about what he wants for lunch, I named the soups in our cupboard but rather than tell me what he wants, he said” why are you running this place like a prison?!” So, lunch will be late today and will be on my time not according to his belly! Now he’s sleeping in front of the TV while Gunsmoke and Matt Dillon fight the bad guys. Our resources are not accommodating to assisted living so I don’t know where this is going to go. Just won’t be a pleasant trip.
Carol Young
saysI’m positive my husband has dementia but he won’t see a doctor to get diagnosed.
Sara
saysI am exhausted
I am full time caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s
I have professionals that relieve me so I get a “break” but I am more tired than when I had wee children. Hats off to anyone that’s been doing this for years.
Anonymous
saysHi Sara,
We're really sorry to hear that you've been struggling.
Please call our Dementia Connect support line any time you need support. One of our dementia advisers can learn more about your situation and offer advice. You can read more about the support line (including opening hours) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
We hope this helps, Sara. Please do call our support line.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Tina
saysI’m exhausted!!!! I care for my mom by myself and have no help or family. I have noticed that the trazodone she was taking at night made her worse and mean so since I stopped that it’s been 100% better but she. Is still up on and off all night and I know my mom needs sleep worse then me but I’m tired and I have started shaking and can’t even get myself ready for the day anymore. I’m helping my mom and times it’s 4:00 pm and I still am in my sweats and sweatshirt yet. When I try to get ready mom is needing something else or wanting something else. She won’t allow strangers to stay with her so I can have a break and I have found myself crying a lot when she does sleep. I don’t at all want to be selfish because I know my mom is the most important person in my life, but if I could just shower and be able to get myself ready with no interruptions it would help me a lot. I’ve lost 15 lbs since mom came and I think it’s because of my nerves. Any advice?
Hi Tina,
We're sorry to hear about this situation with your mom, it sounds really difficult for you both.
Please call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. You'll be able to talk to one of our trained dementia advisers, who can provide information, advice, and support to help you and your mom.
You can find more details about the support line (including opening hours) here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
It can feel really difficult, but it's important that you look after yourself as a carer. We have some information on our website that you may find useful: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/looking-af…
We hope this helps, Tina. Please do call our support line for more detailed advice on your own situation.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
April
saysHave you tried giving her melatonin at night? It’s a natural sleep aid. We give my mother in law a 10mg tablet 30mins before she goes to bed every night and it helps a lot. This is the only sleep aid that works for her. She will still wake up some and talk for a few minutes but she never gets out of bed. If you need someone to talk to let me know.
Kirsty
saysHi Tina
This is just a suggestion but how bout contacting someone like crossroads they can send someone in for an hour a day so u can have a shower and wen they arrive introduce them as ur friend not a carer get them to come round for coffee couple times then wen trust builds up wiv mum u could pop upstairs for shower or wateva u need to do x
Maria
saysAmen !
N.Townley
saysHello Sara,
I am a care provider that helps support individuals in their homes, caregiving can be exhausting and really impact your daily lives. I encourage you to take time for yourself, and know that as a home care provider, I am strategically looking at ways caregivers can get the in home help they need that will help enhance their loved ones quality of life. I will keep you and your family in prayer .
Linda
saysAs soon as I get my mum up an sit down to eat she falls asleep while eating , yet wide awake before I get her up or if I put her back in bed !!! Wth ??? Anyone else have this happen ?
Julie Carter
saysMy husband is 54 and has Alzheimer’s. He seems ok in his self but he now tends to sleep a lot in the day. He sleeps through the night. Also I feel alone as I don’t know many young people with Alzheimer’s. Everything is geared around the elderly.
Aisha Smith
saysMy brother in law is going through the same. He’s 53 as well. He’s been sick for almost 16 years. He sleeps a lot during the day. My sister is exhausted.
Sara
saysJulie
My mom is 88 but what I am finding is that generally public just doesn’t know how to deal with it (or me) to the public it’s that she forgets. But really Alzheimer’s is not old people forgetting it’s more like cognitive fraying that can happen to middle aged too. Yes she appears to forget but really she loses connections and diplomacy but she is still there. People talk around her. Dam it talk to her! (She has a masters, she worked with children, she was a volunteer, sorry she’s unpredictable and Cranky as f some days,but she’s in there)
I do know a woman in Nova Scotia whose husband has Alzheimer’s and I think he’s in his 60’s? . Mary Jane Copps. She has a blog “the phone lady” and has a couple posts about their struggle with Alzheimer’s https://thephonelady.com/alzheimers-communication/. That’s one of her posts. Most of her posts are for business. But she mentions him a few times. I know her through common interests in our work and she is a kind soul.
Lynn Slater
saysMy son was 40 last Thursday he is in the latter stages of FTD dementia he was diagnosed back in January 2018 we are his full time carers its hard but we wouldn't have it any other way its devastating as he is so young he is now sleeping a lot hasn't spoken for 2 years fully incontinent eat breakfast am very little lunch every drink has to have thickener in and food liquidised worried now about the sleeping x
Mary Bush
saysMy dad has been blessed with 99 years he has had dementia for sometime now, he is not sleeping very good at night but sleeps a lot off and on all day
Daleen Dick
saysMy husband was diagnosed with Binswamger disease after about 3 years of trying to find out what is wrong with him.
He is extremely forgetful, struggle to dress himself , sleep about 10 hours a night after also napping in the afternoon.
Struggle to verbalise what he wants to say
Also lost a lot of weighth.
Cal
saysMu.mom.has vascular dementia also bed bound due back condition
Lost weight differs in out sleep throughout the day
Medication play apart off.sleeping or is that dementia has progressed
Or both.perhaps can be a wake one min a sleep the next
Rosalyn davidson
saysI’m always wondering is it meds is it infection but over time I have realised it is just the dementia🥲my mum goes to bed at 6 pm and I’m struggling to get her up at 10am might manage commode and drink at side of bed but then she just wants to go back to sleep, so hard to accept ….. I’m struggling
Hi Rosalyn,
We're sorry to hear that you've been struggling.
Please do call our Dementia Connect support line any time you need support. One of our dementia advisers can learn more about your situation and give information, advice and support. you can read more about the support line (including opening hours) here:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
We also have some more information about sleep on our website that you may find helpful:
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
Hope this helps,
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Lynette
saysMy sister has advanced Alzheimer’s and lives with me. She has 2 full days outings a week, but most of the other time will just sleep, up to 22 hours a day. I wake her for meals, but she eats then goes straight back to sleep. Sleeping longer as this dreadful disease progresses,
Rose Highfield
saysMy i ask how long has your mum had dementia my mum has vascular and it sounds exactly the same
Harry Nelson jr
saysHi I would like to state my mother in law has altimers ! She sleeps a lot and eats very little and we find it difficult to give her a bath and she refusedes to take her medicine yet we are dealing with this situation as best as we can ! Our attitude is they were there for us as kids and as baby's now that they need us we have to be there them . In many countries old people are respected yet in this country we just throw them aside like trash ! most families just stick them in a home and forget about them ! Dieing at home with your loved ones as my dad did is the best way to go ! At 65 I hope to be at home or in the middle of the forest just dig a hole and throw me in ! Everyone should pich in to help we did as family !
Mary Jane Bosma
saysI agree with you Harry. My mom is in the late stages of dementia and she is now sleeping very late as late as 5 pm. Yes she was there for me and my sisters and we are here for her.
Mary
Cee Petrucelli
saysI agree with you as well. We chose what we believed was right for our family and that is caring for my mom at home.
My parents and us lost friends because people didn’t agree with us. They felt we were throwing our life away. It’s not an easy choice. At time it’s incredibly hard. I can say without a doubt I’m thankful for the time with my mom. I’m thankful for the experience to care for her.
Jennifer
saysI chose to become my dads full time 24/7 caregiver when he was diagnosed. I didn’t have any children. I had just ended a long relationship. I was 29 when I moved in and his dementia progressed very fast. He became totally dependent after only one year. For anyone unfamiliar, that is when they can no longer do anything for themselves. He also had aphasia, where you lose your ability to speak. He stayed that way for 6 more years. Just the two of us. He was a wartime veteran and had benefits that would have paid for him to be in a home, so many people in our family did not understand my choice. My youth, being in the prime of my life, theses were the things I was throwing away in everyone’s mind. But those were the most precious years of our relationship and I would not trade a moment of them for anything in the world.
Robert Mead
saysWe need more people in the world like you Jennifer.
Ann
saysBoy we sure do need more people like you. What a saint you are.
Nadine
saysHi to all those people who are looking after there loved ones, my daddy has not been well for past few years, its likely vascular dementia doctors say, its so heart breaking to see my strong and powerful daddy frail and weak like a child. I look after him and do my very best to make sure he is comfortable and safe in his own surroundings which I feel is really important at this stage in his life. I'll make sure his life will be happy till the end. Xx ♥
Anon
saysI am reading your comment sat next to my dad in hospital at the moment and can relate so much. Dad's had vascular dementia for a while but this recent stroke has really progressed his dementia. Want him home asap so he can be with the people who love him, family is everything xxx
Jerri rado
saysOh Jennifer. My heart goes out to you. I don’t know if you will regret giving up your youth to care for your father. A widow at 57, I quit my job as my mom declined, not with dementia - just frail. I gave her my all and still when she died at 84 I regretted any precious time together we may have lost. ❣️I was never sorry to have put her first.
Steve sykes
saysWell done Jennifer. I am of the same opinion with my wife of 45 years. Had a weeks respite now home and just wants to sleep all the time and very weak and shaking her hands, only 65, did so much before this onset 3 years ago. Ran the home, a business looked after 7 grandchildren, keep fit club every day holidays 3/4 times a year, now nothing, have 3 children who all help but they have work and family. Governments don’t give a fig. £1400 for a weeks respite!!
It is what it is though and we just have to deal with it. Heartbreaking.
Lavina Gann
saysMy husband’s grandmother has stage 6 dementia and I’ve know her for over 17 years and two years prior with us being friends before I married her grandson. I love her so much but she is less alert and I’m with her 24/7 with all 3 kiddos & my biggest issue is she’s getting more and more agitated with the kiddos but there’s not much I can do. Their (9) (2)&(3). How do I get her more comfortable and compassionate when it comes to the kiddo’s.
Hello Lavina,
Thanks for your comment, and we're sorry to hear about your husband's grandmother.
You may find it helpful to call our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. A trained dementia adviser can listen to you, and offer specific information, advice and support. More details about the support line (including opening hours) are available here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
You might also like to join our online community, Talking Point, where carers and other people affected by dementia can share their experiences and support each other. You'll often find that there are many other people who have been in similar situations who can offer helpful advice. You can browse the online community, or sign up for free here: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/
We hope this is helpful, Lavina. Please do call our support line if you need to.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
margaret richards
saysmy partner has had parkinsons for 20+yrs he was diagnosed with parkiinsons dementia over a year ago an i had to fight for them to see it was dementia, he gets up about 10am an can be back to bed by 12pm.He would sleep between 4or more hours sometimes more if i dont wake him, will someone tell me honestly is he at the end of his life he is only 62
Thanks for getting in touch, Margaret. This must be such a worrying time for you.
We'd strongly recommend contacting our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. Our expert dementia advisers can listen to your situation and offer information, advice, and emotional support. More details about the support line, including opening hours, can be found here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
We hope this helps for now, Margaret.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Theresa Betts
saysI just want to say all the posts I read are very comforting, yet very sad to know so many people are going through these trying times. I brought my mom, 83 years old, from VA to FL thinking she just needed a restart... please don't judge. I don't need to get into the previous details of how we got to the trip... after a month of getting her stable, I realized it was much more serious... mom was diagnosed with vascular dementia... up until 2 weeks ago, mom had some people convinced she could live on her own. Sure talking to mom for 20 minutes you couldn't tell.
Mom living with us presented a whole different view into her world. Fortunately I am a WFH career.. The past 2 weeks have been yet another phase... mom started having balance issues, now she is wanting to stay in bed more, she has trouble writing. I let mom stay in bed 1 whole day, but the next finally got her to get up and help me with laundry and dinner. I have no idea how this works. Today I had my husband sit with us during lunch and he made the comment, 2 weeks ago mom could function a lot better than now... any advice on how fast progressing is, what to watch for, what kind of small tasks can I give my mom would be greatly appreciated... happening so fast all of a sudden
Hello Theresa,
It sounds like you would benefit from speaking with a dementia adviser.
As you're based in the US, please contact the Alzheimer's Association helpline: https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/helpline
In the meantime, we have information on how dementia progresses: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/how… This is also available as a free, downloadable PDF: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-09/458lp-the-pro…
We hope this is helpful.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Amy Dincel
saysThank you so much for your kind words and compassion precious souls around the globe. 🌹
My compassionate action will continue with my Mother Goose because it’s the right thing to do, although I’m losing my mind. 🤪🤪🤪
Blessings and Light to all! ❤️❤️
Julie Townend
saysI’m struggling what to do about my Dad. He’s 88 and seems to have given up on life. He’s spent 5 days in bed now and asks why he’s in bed.
Anonymous
saysHi Julie,
We're really sorry to hear this. I'm not sure from your comment whether your dad already has a diagnosis, but we'd recommend talking to your GP if he is displaying new symptoms.
We'd also recommend calling our Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. You can talk to one of our trained dementia advisers so they can find out a bit more about your situation, and offer advice and support. More details of the support line (including opening hours) are available here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line
You might also benefit from connecting with other people affected by dementia within our online community, Talking Point. Here, carers and other people affected by dementia share stories, advice, and offer support to others who may be going through similar situations. You can have a browse of other people's experiences, or sign up for free here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/dementia-talking-point-our-on…
We hope this helps.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Amy D.
saysHi precious souls….my name is Amy and I’m taking care of my 90 year old mom who has last stage dementia in New Jersey. I really need someone to talk too. 😢😢. As an only child, I don’t have the option to have a sibling take over for a few days so I could relax because she has become even more verbally hostile than she has always been as a child. Thank God I have my son give her meds at night, but tonight she threw them at him and started crying. 🥺. People say, put her in a home and let them deal with her, but I can never do than because my heart is full of compassionate action, what comes around goes around. ❤️ So if there is anyone in NJ I could talk to just to know I’m not alone, I would truly appreciate it.
Blessings and Light. 🌹
Hi Amy, thanks for your comment.
It sounds like you might benefit from talking with other people affected by dementia within our online community, Talking Point. Feel free to browse and read others' experiences, or create an account to reply and connect with others. You may find similar situations being discussed about when's the right time to move a person with dementia to a home: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/
We also have information on our website about this topic (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/help-dementia-care/care-homes…) and a downloadable factsheet, which may be helpful (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/media/12201).
We hope this helps.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Kimberly Frasciello
saysHi Amy. I am taking care of my 97 year old Mom at home who has Lewy Body Dementia. I have gone through it all. If you need to talk I am here for you. I'm a Jersey girl too.
Courtney Proctor Bates
saysMy sad was recently diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and the practitioner say it’s nothing they can do. Can you give more insights on this disease as it’s not much information pertaining to LBD. Thank you Courtney
Hello Courtney. Thank you for getting in touch.
We're really sorry to hear about your dad's recent diagnosis. This must be such a difficult time for you and your family.
First, we would strongly recommend speaking with one of our dementia advisers by calling the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456. This is a great way to get dementia information, support and advice specific to your situation. (More information about the support line, including opening times, can be found here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementia-connect-support-line)
We have information on our website about Lewy Body dementia, also known as dementia with Lewy Bodies (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/types-dementia/dementia-wi…). This is also available as a downloadable 12-page PDF (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/sites/default/files/2019-09/what_is_demen…).
If you're looking for real stories or research information about Lewy Bodies, you can use the filter on this page (https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/categories/types/dementia-lewy-bodies) to discover more content.
Lastly, you may benefit from talking with other people affected by dementia within our online community, Talking Point. Feel free to browse and read others' experiences, or create an account to reply and connect with others. You may find similar situations to yours and your dad's shared there: https://forum.alzheimers.org.uk/
Please do call the support line on 0333 150 3456 if you need to speak with someone about this, Courtney.
We hope this is useful.
Alzheimer's Society blog team
Melissa
saysHI Amy, like you, I am my moms only caretaker. She is only 70 in the late stages of dementia. It’s REALLY hard for us caretakers. But you CAN manage. I also refuse to put mom in any type of home. I have been with her 24/7 for the last 2 3/4 years. There have been days where she screams for 15 hours a day for absolutely no reason! Talk about stress! With regards to her medication, my suggestion is to wait a few minutes or a half hour and try to give them to her again. 99% of the time she will forget what happened previously. I am originally from RI and moved to Fl 7 years ago. Please know that you are NOT alone! Take some deep breaths, a quick walk outside, put on some headphones, take a hot bath, etc. Wish I could be there to hug you! Sending you much love! If you need to chat let me know. 💋🙏🏻💋🙏🏻💋🙏🏻💋🙏🏻💋🙏🏻
Angela
saysHello, my heart goes out to you. My sister an I ste experimenting the same symptoms. It is really sad to see our father who us 88 regress the way he has. The only advice that k can offer is to pray sn ask God for strength. I am here if you need to communicate.
Mary
saysHi Amy! I am taking care of my 88 year mom with Alzheimer's...she lives with us and it is hard....i hope you xan get a break ... if there's anyway to pay for an agency call to assist you - check with medicare
Elliot
saysHi amy I feel so bad for you . I am in florida but I am from New Jersey . I am also taking care of my 90 year old mother. If you would like to talk let me know. My mom is sleeping more lately which has be concerned. Anyway let me know
Maria
saysI’m an only child as well taking care of my mother and i understand what you’re going through. I live with her and sadly I’m an only child with no children so i often feel so scared of losing my only family and only friend ! Your comment comforted me
Cheryl
saysYou are not alone, my husband has late stage Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s I am his only care giver and feel so overwhelmed sometimes. At this point I crush his pills and put them in applesauce or pudding if not he will not take them. I hope this will help give it a try you have nothing to loose. Not in NJ but still here to help from Texas
Sandra Malone
saysHi Amy, im not in NJ but I would love to talk with you.im in the same situation 😊! my we can exchange numbers. Thanks take care. I'm on Facebook sandra still standing .
Amanda de melo
saysHi this is my first time on this site and hands up I have only just read a few messages to relate to everything I however have chosen to put my momma in care I visit her everyday chat every morning on the phone MY Mom NEVER wanted to go in a care home EVER our family just don’t do that well my mom got coronavirus went down into hospital with my dad my beautiful dad unfortunately passed away and they put mom into nursing home She feels safe in there always wants to see me occasionally wants to come home which can be really hard doctors in call nurses always in hand she is has accidents in bed at night shower every morning clean bed shower and breakfast over time me visiting everyday it’s incredible how some days I say she talks normal other days don’t understand anything she talks about anyway this is my first time on here got lots more to say but another time all I want to say I hate not having my mom at home with me but hand on heart she really does feel safe in her home and in occasions I take her back to my house and within a few hours she is asking to go back
Lindsay
saysAww, it’s so easy for people to say “put them in a home”. Until they’ve been there they won’t understand. Most don’t have the ability to care for them due to family work etc….my boyfriend and I take care of his mother who’s 93 with late stage dementia also… it’s sooo hard. The poor woman. I’m in Cali however you are not alone! Your an angel and your mom is lucky to have you ❤️❤️
Donna W
saysHi Amy. I'm taking care of my 86 year old mother in California. Like you, I am also an only child. Luckily, my husband helps out as much as he can. I do not represent myself as knowledgeable about treatment or care, but I would be glad to speak with you. I'm kind of new to all this, since my mother has had a rapid decline over the past few months and is now uncommunicative and non-ambulatory. I pretty much have to do everything for her and meds and feeding seem to be the hardest struggle. Hang in there! You're not alone.