my husband is 62 has a lot of health issues,very stubborn and prideful, wont admit he is sick. He is on of meds. Lately ( past 2 yrs) he gets episodes where he acts like he is drunk but he doesnnt drink at all. These episodes are happening more and more frequently. He has COPD , he coughs all day long, yet contintues to smoke. His mother had dementia so I am fearful he is getting it to. I have nowhere to turn for advice
I had a friend who was a diabetic- when she would have episodes of low blood sugar she would behave exactly as if drunk - the only way to snap her out of it was by getting food or juice into her - which could be a challenge as she also was very belligerent during these periods. If diabetes a possibility?
Look up. ATAXIA online. Yes, it could be a sign of dementia. It is a common neurologic complaint in the elderly, with many varied causes. An evaluation with a neurologist will help determine the cause and any treatment necessary. While you are waiting for the appointment, check eyes, ears-because when these sensory systems are impaired that could be part of the cause.
How long has your husband done this? When does it occur? Is he weak, losing muscle strength? Does using a cane help? Can you have him slow down to accommodate the gait issues? Clearing a wide path inside the home, well lighted at all times may prevent falls or some serious toe bashing.
Decreasing stress immediately may help. Sometimes there is an emotional cause and all this will be investigated by the neurologist. It could be exacerbated by a new medication, or increase in dosage. There is the Romberg Sign: Is he able to stand with eyes closed.? Does he still drive? Maybe not until he has been evaluated.
Don't try to figure this out at home-report to his doctor. It is definitely something to be evaluated.
When he is "drunk" get him to the ER to find out the cause. He could have messed up his meds, he could have low or high blood sugar, he could be having mini-strokes. If you call 911 and explain he is disoriented, they will help.
My husband seemed drunk with Lewy Body Dementia. I acted drunk with undiagnosed diabetes. As the others have said, this needs to be investigated and diagnosed!
It is a common neurologic complaint in the elderly, with many varied causes.
An evaluation with a neurologist will help determine the cause and any treatment necessary. While you are waiting for the appointment, check eyes, ears-because when these sensory systems are impaired that could be part of the cause.
How long has your husband done this?
When does it occur?
Is he weak, losing muscle strength?
Does using a cane help?
Can you have him slow down to accommodate the gait issues?
Clearing a wide path inside the home, well lighted at all times may prevent falls or some serious toe bashing.
Decreasing stress immediately may help. Sometimes there is an emotional cause and all this will be investigated by the neurologist.
It could be exacerbated by a new medication, or increase in dosage.
There is the Romberg Sign: Is he able to stand with eyes closed.?
Does he still drive? Maybe not until he has been evaluated.
Don't try to figure this out at home-report to his doctor. It is definitely something to be evaluated.