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My Dad has what the doctor's consider frontal lobe dementia, but they can't really put a handle on it because he just isn't your average dementia patient. Anyway, the problem we are having is that my father won't sit down. He sleeps during the night mostly, but at 5am until 12 am he is off and running literally. My mom lives out in the country which is good and has acres of land that he can cut grass and rake. The problem with that is that he never quits. All day he will cut grass and rake, then come inside instantly forgetting that he was outside and ask, "where is my rake" or "do you have pruning shears"(he doesn't know the name just makes the gesture). To some people having a father who at least can do something is great, but not for us because we are afraid his heart will give out. You CANNOT make him sit down and when he does you have to give him a puzzle to keep his mind occupied. He always has to be doing something and that is the problem because in 2000 he had triple bypass heart surgery. My mom has tried everything and the doctors don't want to give him drugs because he has almost an allergic reaction to them. (In one case, he kept having seizures and passing out.) We have tried melatonin and valerian and although they work, they aren't for very long. We don't want to sedate him, we just need to find something that will allow him to slow down and rest...make him tired... Honestly, I wish I had his energy it is amazing, but I'm just afraid that with all the work his heart will give out. Any advice would be so helpful...

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I understand your frustration. Even good things when overdone can be bad. I agree ask the cardiologist if this energizer bunny symptom is a problem. Actually I would be more concerned about him using power tools and getting hurt. I'm wondering does he take any medications at all besides melatonin/valerian? There are meds that can actually create this problem of never winding down. A med can actually make a person feel like they have to be in perpetual motion and lying down/resting actually makes those feelings tortureses. Ask his Dr and tell him this high energy is disrupting the family and yall need help. Since the brain is malfunctioning, being able to reason with him or try to prove to him that he needs to slow down will be of no avail. But don't give up. As the caregivers make sure you have a strong support system for yourselves so that you will be able to care for him.
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kdsc97, what does your Dad's cardiologist have to say regarding your Dad's on-the-go all the time activity? If he says its ok, then don't worry about it.

Actually doing all that work, which is also exercise, probably makes your Dad feel better, less stressed, etc. Have your Mom hand him the vacuum, unless Dad is a bull in a china shop with inside cleaning.
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