Last month or so, mom is sleeping a lot more. Any advice?
I’ve read a lot of your questions and answers regarding a elderly parent sleeping a lot. My mom has stared sleep sometimes 15 to 18 hours at once.
She has dementia but also has Anesthesia Dolorosa which is a chronic nerve pain that never ceases. So I understand her wanting to sleep because she doesn’t feel the pain when she sleeps. Or at least it’s not as painful as when she’s awake.
She saw her doctor yesterday, who concluded she is severely depressed and her dementia is worsening. (No surprise on both)
She increased her depression medication, gave her a hug and off we went.
She has lost seven pounds since November. She’s always been small, but this makes me nervous.
Is this a sign of the last stage of life? I’ve read here about having a hospice evaluation. Her doctor never mentioned it and I don’t know much about how hospice works. Any advice would be helpful and appreciated.
4 Answers
Popular Questions
Related Questions
- I’ve brought my mom with moderate Alzheimer’s to live with me. About every two or three nights she has bouts of screaming and talking in her sleep. Do I wake her?
- 89 year old with dementia. Talks all night and day and is argumentive. What meds do I need to ask for just to get some sleep?
- My dad has dementia and has his nights mixed up with days. Any advice?
- My sister-in-law is in what we think is the early stages of dementia but will not let us take her to the doctor. How can we have her assessed?
I suggest that you get the doctor to order and evaluation with Hospice. Those people can give your Mom pain medication that really works, your doctor has his hands tied by the FDA crack down.
Many people live a long time on hospice, so do not concern yourself about that...but, please stop her pain. You may find she is "around" a lot more and willing to eat to gain weight.
I called her doctor, hopefully she will return my call and agree to a hospice evaluation. Thank you for your replies.