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smithyof4 Asked January 2015

What will help with muscle contractions and calling out in later stages?

My mom is in the late stages of dementia that has been diagnosed as frontal lobe dementia, posterior cortical atrophy or Bensons syndrome. She has severe muscle contractions and calls out continuously. Has anyone found anything (medicinal or otherwise) that will help her to be more peaceful?

JoDeClercq Jan 2016
Please use a dynamic bed support system like the V!GO D!NA Sleep or softbracing to prevent foetal position and contractures!

melaje Dec 2015
My mother has contractures as well as dementia. I've found relief for her by using esential oils. The lavender calms her down. Apply a few drops on her pillow or clothing and use an oil diffuser. The patchouli works well also. I am her full time caregiver and I try anything to give us rest. Good luck!

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melaje Dec 2015
My mother has contractures as well as dementia. I've found relief for her by using esential oils. The lavender calms her down. Apply a few drops on her pillow or clothing and use an oil diffuser. The patchouli works well also. I am her full time caregiver and I try anything to give us rest. Good luck!

FriendhasPCA Jan 2015
There is a closed facebook group for people with PCA and their caregivers called Posterior Cortical Atrophy awareness. This group may have an answer. We have used gentle massage, but we are still in the middle stage of PCA. So sorry your mother has PCA.

pamstegma Jan 2015
Muscle spasms can result from depletion of potassium, magnesium or calcium.
Epsom Salts are magnesium sulfate, which is a powerful anti-spasmodic. DO NOT give it by mouth or you get diarrhea. Dissolve one TBSP in a quart of nice warm water (100F) and apply as a moist compress or soak the feet.

smithyof4 Jan 2015
I should clarify a bit: She is on hospice and we have tried anxiety meds, muscle relaxers and various sedatives. Her dementia has affected her physical abilities first. She has not been able to grasp objects, speak, or walk for quite some time. My dad has been taking wonderful care of her for years and he just needs her to have some relief. It is difficult for him to see her in such distress and none of the medications have given her any peace.

pamstegma Jan 2015
Morphine, please, those contractions are painful. Call Hospice.

Eyerishlass Jan 2015
P.S. A muscle relaxer will help with the contractures as well and acts as a sedative and may help with her calling out.

Eyerishlass Jan 2015
If she has contractures in her hands you can roll up a wash cloth and slip that into her hand so she's grasping it. It prevents the hand from closing in on itself. You can use rolled up towels for other muscles as well. Behind the knee, at the waist, etc.

As for her calling out, is she on any anti-anxiety medication? Sometimes anti-anxiety medication will help. Why do you think she's calling out? Is she in pain? Is she on pain medication?

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