My husband has Lewy Body Dementia which causes hallucinations, paranoia, aggression, combativeness....the hallucinations can be visual or auditory or sensual or all....he was convinced there were bugs in the bed, crawling on him, especially in his hair. Even took him to the doctor for an exam. His auditory hallucinations leads him to believe there are people in the other rooms of the house, trying to break in, ringing the door bell at 2am. He is on Clozapine which has helped. I don't like him taking all these pills, either, but there isn't any other way to control this behavior so we can both get some rest...even if I still only get 4 -5 hrs a night while he gets 10 or more. I am fortunate that my husband's neurologist is well versed in this little known disease and that his case manager is, too. It's tough to get an accurate diagnosis; takes a lot of testing and a lot of trials with different meds. Keep searching...you will find an answer and the help you need. It isn't easy. It isn't fun. It's tiring and heartbreaking and frustrating...but it is what needs to be done to keep your Mom safe and secure. Good luck.
Then try Melatonin which is a natural sleep aid, get some more exercise, do not sleep during the day, add apple cider vinegar plus honey (1 tblsp each) to a small glass at bedtime, and she will sleep soundly. That's what I do and I am a nurse.
My father has Dementia and whenever he has problems like that we know to get him to the Dr. or Hospital to have him checked for a UTI. Since October, he has had 2 and we can tell because of the hallucinations
My mom had hallucinations that someone was in the house, that someone was iding in her closet etc. All the while I thought ..is this dementia? The doctor checked her urine to see if she had an infection and she didn't. Then after three months of slowing dealing with my sleepless nights because of her hallucinations..she had to be hospitalized due to breathing problems...pneumonia. I would suggest checking for an infection. Have tests done to ensure that she has no infections or are starting to get one. A pill doesn't solve everything. Just do what you can to get his under control without medication...and you will feel better too.
I saw the suggestions re the cider vinegar/honey. May try that one myself. But don't give her Melotonin unless you check with a pharmacist first because it can interact with existing meds. @ferris1, I am not trying to insult you or say your advice is wrong. I just know I took it, didn't help -- then found out it interacted badly with my migraine meds.
I think HTP-5 is supposed to be good for anxiety/calmness (I take it as a vitamin regimen for my migraines, but it has been helping me sleep as well).. But again, check with a pharmacist (and I also find WebMD has a lot of information). My mother's son has always had something like your Mom -- thinking something is crawling on him -- since we were kids. I know no one wants to take a lot of pills, but if it stops her having that feeling, it may be worth it.
Smileboss88, That is something! The last time dad had a UTI, he was treated with antibiotics at home. He was not getting better...but worse!! Took him to the hospital and he had Pnemonia with a pleural effusion!! He was hospitalized and then had to go to rehab for 2 months until he was strong enough to leave. I think the key is looking for any type of infection?
Apple cider vinegar and honey is good for a lot of stuff. I use it when my sinus/allergy gets so bad that I have severe sinus headaches. In the morning, before heading off to work, I make a mix of it, pour it in the water bottle. I drink it throughout the day and I can feel my sinus pressure lessening.
As for father, he swears that the cherry-flavored water helped him to breathe better. Every time he finished drinking it, he felt better.
I think HTP-5 is supposed to be good for anxiety/calmness (I take it as a vitamin regimen for my migraines, but it has been helping me sleep as well).. But again, check with a pharmacist (and I also find WebMD has a lot of information). My mother's son has always had something like your Mom -- thinking something is crawling on him -- since we were kids. I know no one wants to take a lot of pills, but if it stops her having that feeling, it may be worth it.
As for father, he swears that the cherry-flavored water helped him to breathe better. Every time he finished drinking it, he felt better.
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