My mom with dementia when she sits in her chair never moves her head left or right. She keeps looking straight ahead. Any ideas?
She does not have arthritis in the neck. Even when in bed she doesn’t move her head. I could be sitting on either side of her & she doesn’t move her head and says —Willy where are you? Have any of you experienced this type of behavior ?
You don't mention what is causing the dementia or what stage she might be in. Is she at home or in a care facility? If she's in a facility, let the medical staff know. If she is at home, call or email her doctor. I doubt that the "stiff" neck is related to dementia at all unless she is in the final stages. My wife had Alzheimer's and she stopped moving her head in the final stage of the disease. She didn't eat and appeared catatonic.
When she asks for Willy, I assume you're Willy, position yourself directly in front of her so she can see you. Her peripheral vision may be affected by the disease. She apparently doesn't realize you're right next to her
You need to get your mom to her Dr or a chiropractor. She needs an X-Ray just to make sure she didn't hurt her neck and didn't tell anyone! This is hard to know if it is behavior or physical. At least with an X-Ray can help to rule out any major problems.
It could be painful for her to move her head. She should be re-positioned at least every 2 hours this includes her head as she could get pressure sores on her head as well as any other part of her body. Even reclining her chair a bit and putting a pillow or rolled up towel by her head would help in changing her position. You could also try a gentle massage to the neck and shoulder at least you will get some movement. Be gentle as it might be painful.
4 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
When she asks for Willy, I assume you're Willy, position yourself directly in front of her so she can see you. Her peripheral vision may be affected by the disease. She apparently doesn't realize you're right next to her
Just my 2 cents!!
ADVERTISEMENT
She should be re-positioned at least every 2 hours this includes her head as she could get pressure sores on her head as well as any other part of her body.
Even reclining her chair a bit and putting a pillow or rolled up towel by her head would help in changing her position.
You could also try a gentle massage to the neck and shoulder at least you will get some movement. Be gentle as it might be painful.