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bj4675 Asked September 2013

My husband talks crazy at night, I cannot understand most of what he says because he mumbles. Advice?

I know this is sundowners, How do you talk to someone , he wants to talk when you cannot understand a word they say. Daughter says he talks in code. getting frustrated.

Jinx4740 Sep 2013
I had a co-worker once whom I couldn't understand. I would pick a word or two out of his question and talk about that. Can that work with your husband? Guess which word is important, and ask if that's what he's worried about. I think Blannie's advice is good.

pamstegma Sep 2013
We got the MD to add anti-anxiety meds to minimize the obsessing at night. An anti-depressant was later added to keep dark thoughts away. Make sure that this is actually sundowning and not a medication reaction to what he is already taking.

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blannie Sep 2013
I don't have a loved one with Alzheimers, so this is a shot in the dark, but I'd hold his hand or put my hand on his arm or leg and try to mirror his emotions and respond with appropriate facial expressions to what he seems to be saying. So if he seems happy, smile and nod your your head. If he seems agitated, I'd hold his hand and look calm and nod and say, 'It's ok" or something to that effect. You can't hope to understand what he's saying, and telling him you don't understand will only frustrate him.

It would be similar to when a young toddler first learns to speak by babbling. You can't understand them, but you'll nod or smile or look concerned about their efforts, in order to support them. I'll be interested to see what others say on this topic.

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