Mom has dementia and gets shaking spells. What is this and what do I do?

My mom was diagnosed with dementia/alzheimer/parkinson. She once in a while would go through a phase of jerking. I describe it as mini-seizures. Her whole body from head to toe would jerk hard. I sometimes think that the whole-body jerking was painful because mom cannot talk. But when she would jerk, she would make a gasping noise...with her whole body locked stiff but jerking violently. I can't remember what meds was prescribed for her. I think it was Haldol? Or something like that. I have noticed that mom would have these full body jerking when she was sick. But, I agree that if you can, perhaps take her to the clinic just to be sure.

Lewy Body Dementia(LBD) is associated with parkinsonism. the Dementia comes first in this case. In Parkinsons patients, the dementia that develops later on is also a form of LBD but called Parkinsons Disease Dementia (PDD)

Has she been diagnosed? I am just learning all this too. I read there are bout 4-5 dementia (Or dementia related) types. And if I remember right tremors are specific some of them, the lewy body type maybe. I don't know much about them. I would say if you haven't get a diagnosis and they may have meds designed to help with that available. google types of dementia the alz assn website is where I found the info Hope that helps a bit, it is not much!

good luck!!!

1luv
Juju

Good Early Morning Karen,

I have no experience with the shaking issue but I would think that she became tired with the Xanax. Even a little bit of that stuff can make someone sleepy. Not a bad thing, but you know if you take Xanax it will do that.

So the question is, have you and your mom been to a neurologist? He or she would be able to diagnose the shaking and give you the proper medicine for it. Finding a decent neuro doc will really help!

Let us know and keep writing about whatever troubles you. There are more caregivers who will respond to you and help.

lovbob