My father has started regressing to his younger days all of a sudden ...his vitals are all good, he hasn't slept for 3 days...he hollars all day and night about his younger days, but he comes back and realizes he regressed, we cut back his narcotics such as tramodol and percocet, and just give him tylenol, he quit complaining of pain too which is surprising to us. Its as if one minute he knows whats going on the next he doesn't recognize us but he jokes around and kids with us during the regression like a a teenager...we have been taking shifts with him because we have to calm him from hollering during the night, he says" Call the police"..."you stole my money" stuff like that. also when he regresses he moves his limbs with ease but other times when he is aware he is very rigid and stiff, his b/p, sugar, pulse etc. are all good...he also talks to his departed family members and other people..... I think he may have dementia, it just was so sudden my father has always had a good mind up until now....its constant babbling and he doesn't sleep even on the sleep medication prescribed by his doctor...what to do?
Take care and please check back,
Carol
I don't think sudden onset of dementia is common, but it happened to my husband so I know it is possible. But not everything that looks like dementia really is.
You didn't mention your father's diagnosis and with the pain meds he is receiving, I think it's important to note. For example, if it were cancer, it may be beginning to affect his brain. Or this may be a progression of a different disease.
Medication reactions are certainly a possibility. Another possible culprit could be a urinary tract infection. They tend to cause dementia. Try to encourage him to stay well hydrated.
Consulting your physician is a great idea. He may have some knowledge that we lack.
Just so you know, it's very common for patients with dementia to accuse people of stealing. It comes with a certain degree of paranoia. I also want to commend your family for working together so well.
Blessings,
Shelley