My 78 yr old husband sleeps well at night, but he no sooner gets up when he's in the chair sleeping, sometimes even before breakfast! He often sleeps after breakfast until nearly lunch, then after lunch until almost dinner. I try to get him out to do things, but he says he's too weak. He also has Parkinson's which isn't helping. I don't know what to do to help him.
Anyway, whatever type of dementia he has, the excessive daytime sleepiness may be treatable. My husband took Provigil for that condition and it was very helpful for years. Have you discussed this problem with your husband's doctor?
As my husband entered the end stage he began to sleep more and more, and the medication became ineffective. Eventually he sleep more than 20 hours a day.
My husband's doctor knew that his condition (Dementia with Lewy Bodies) could not be cured, but he felt strongly about giving his patients the best quality of life they could have. So he treated the excessive daytime sleepiness right up until the last stage. I am grateful for that.
I had to Mom-proof the house as she will reach out and grab anything in her path as we go by! She was OCD her entire life, so it's 10 times worse now. this is the main reason i keep her home, as they would drug her to the max so that she could not get up on her own. restraints are not an option in facilities, but they do like to use chemical restraints. Mom is still happy at home, but a lot of work to lift and feed and wash and dress. she is so easily distracted, that it takes a half hour or more to even feed her.
I recently cut as much sugar out of her diet as I could as an experiment. She was getting way too many UTIs and was allover in her behavior. Without all the sugar the paid giver fed her to fatten her up, Mom's comprehension has improved to where it is noticeable by everyone who works with her. Also, since bacteria feeds on sugar, her diapers are no longer dark in color and smelly.
Scared, in a way I have to agree with the comments by those who feel lucky their loved ones sleep a lot. I have the other end of the spectrum and it sure is one hell of a ride!!
I know it's scary and you would like to spend more time with him, but be thankful he is not running away or keeping you up all night. Leanne has some great advice on the subject and maybe you should talk to his doctor about something to help keep him awake more. Good Luck!
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