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Recently, my Mom who's thought off and on she's not at home, walked off to "go home". On one occasion she took off in the rain with a small bag, her dogs and no coat. Today she left again, this time with a coat. Both instances were the first wandering events and both followed nights of very little sleep. We've tried giving her melatonin and it seems to help. When she doesn't sleep, she doesn't recognize my Stepdad about half the time and thinks some other guy has showed up instead. My question is whether anyone else has experienced similar situations and whether or not their Drs have prescribed any medications to help sleep. My Mom generally seems pretty good if she does get a good night's rest.

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Any stress can make dementia symptoms worse, and lack of sleep is definitely a stress to the body. Keep track of her hours of sleep for a while, and discuss this with her doctor. Because sleep is important to the dementia patient's health and also to the caregiver's welfare many doctors will work on resolving the sleep issues. My husband was given something to help him sleep through the night. My mother was also given something to help her sleep in the NH. Discuss this with Mom's doctor.

Eliminating the stress of sleep deprivation may help Mom's overall health and possibly help reduce some symptoms. Be aware, though, that wandering is an Alzheimer symptom, as is loss of person recognition. Better sleep is worth pursuing, but it will not cure her dementia.
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unfortunately, this is only going to get worse. My mom stopped recognizing she was home and thought she was at someone elses house.
It is dangerous for them to wander and once it starts it just gets worse, and can happen at night. Day and night become lost to them.
My mom would pack and go out the door- it was SO frightening!
I had to hire 24hr care and even then she took off.
Try anti-anxiety meds- they helped a bit.
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I've been through the wandering stage and it is no fun at all. Because you just never know just when they are going to get up and walk out. I would suggest putting locks on the doors. That is just what I had to do, that way you know they can't get out the door as long as you have the keys............Good Luck I feel for you no fun............
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