Why do people with dementia stay up all night?

Depending on the type of dementia your talking about...I know mom had Lewy body dementia. She had what they call night surges. Because parts of the brain are dying..the others surge with energy. Its a really frustrating process, I know. My mother at 91 had them. We would be up about 10 to 12 times a night. It will take you close to the edge. I almost lost it when mom was doing the night walks I would call them. The horrible part about the disease is that seems to rob the spirit of a person and leave you with their shell, an imposter who isn't quite who they seem to be. "You're losing someone while they're still there," Your grieving even though they are still with you. I'm sorry, I hope thats not whats happening to you...but if it is..I implore you to study the disease, the more you know about it and how to work through it..the more prepared you will be. My mom passed away last week. It was the most horrific thing to watch..but like I said I grieved for my mom before..she wasn't the same. I do have the memories of my sweet mom now..to keep in my heart. Good luck and God Bless you.

Being mixed up about night and day and/or having trouble sleeping are common but not universal symptoms of dementia.

Please explain a little more. Does your mother sleep during the day time? Does she sleep at night but get up often? Is she unable to sleep at all at night?

What were her sleep habits like before she developed dementia?

Do you have a diagnosis for the specific kind of dementia she has?