Always ask questions of the doctor when s/he uses terminology you are unfamiliar with. I believe (and I could be wrong) that the doctor is speaking to a Circadian Rhythm cycle, which is disturbed with many dementia/AD patients.
Sleep quality and timing tend to change as individuals age and can be severely disrupted in AD dementia (ADD). The timing of sleep is strongly influenced by the circadian system, which generates 24-hour rhythms in many biological processes, synchronizing these to the external light-dark cycle. People with robust circadian timing enjoy consistent waketimes and bedtimes, active days, and restful nights. Although sleep is separate from the circadian clock, the circadian system prompts sleep at night by timing release of melatonin and direct signaling to sleep nuclei in the brain. Disrupted circadian function can lead to fragmented sleep timing, often manifested as erratic sleep at night and frequent napping during the day. This pattern is often observed in patients with ADD and can range from mild fragmentation of sleep timing to total breakdown of day-night boundaries. 1 Patients with AD have neuronal degeneration in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, the master circadian clock of the body, that may underlie this fragmentation. 2 Patients with AD also have changes in sleep itself, including decreases in both rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and slow-wave nonREM sleep. 3 Changes in circadian sleep timing and sleep quality can be a major problem for caregivers and are a leading cause of institutionalization for patients with AD.
I suggest you read this 33 page booklet which has the best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia. The reviews for her books are phenomenal b/c they are written in plain English & very easy to read/understand. Her writings have been VERY helpful for me.
The full copy of her book is available here: https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
What was your mom's doctor's recommendations for how to handle this situation with her? This sleep disturbance that goes along with dementia can be very difficult to handle. I guess it's a good thing she goes weeks of sleeping 18 hours a pop, so there is only 4 days of dealing with her being hyper.
So glad you asked the question. My mom does the same. Last fall she had delirium for 36 hours twice, two weeks apart. Nothing until a few weeks ago then delirium for 24 hours. Other than these three episodes she sleeps 22 to 23 hours per day for the last 18 months. Hospice and palliative care can't explain it. Vitals stay stable. Only nutrition is boost high calorie shakes. Diagnosis is Sarcopenia. Some dementia but when awake lucid and aware of her surroundings except the 3 periods of delirium. Hoping others will post also and maybe have an explanation.
Here is an article on that very subject:
https://practicalneurology.com/articles/2018-june/sleep-circadian-rhythms-and-alzheimers-disease
From the article:
Sleep and Circadian Rhythms in AD Dementia
Sleep quality and timing tend to change as individuals age and can be severely disrupted in AD dementia (ADD). The timing of sleep is strongly influenced by the circadian system, which generates 24-hour rhythms in many biological processes, synchronizing these to the external light-dark cycle. People with robust circadian timing enjoy consistent waketimes and bedtimes, active days, and restful nights. Although sleep is separate from the circadian clock, the circadian system prompts sleep at night by timing release of melatonin and direct signaling to sleep nuclei in the brain. Disrupted circadian function can lead to fragmented sleep timing, often manifested as erratic sleep at night and frequent napping during the day. This pattern is often observed in patients with ADD and can range from mild fragmentation of sleep timing to total breakdown of day-night boundaries. 1 Patients with AD have neuronal degeneration in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus, the master circadian clock of the body, that may underlie this fragmentation. 2 Patients with AD also have changes in sleep itself, including decreases in both rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and slow-wave nonREM sleep. 3 Changes in circadian sleep timing and sleep quality can be a major problem for caregivers and are a leading cause of institutionalization for patients with AD.
I suggest you read this 33 page booklet which has the best information ever about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia. The reviews for her books are phenomenal b/c they are written in plain English & very easy to read/understand. Her writings have been VERY helpful for me.
The full copy of her book is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
What was your mom's doctor's recommendations for how to handle this situation with her? This sleep disturbance that goes along with dementia can be very difficult to handle. I guess it's a good thing she goes weeks of sleeping 18 hours a pop, so there is only 4 days of dealing with her being hyper.
Wishing you the best of luck.
Some dementia but when awake lucid and aware of her surroundings except the 3 periods of delirium. Hoping others will post also and maybe have an explanation.
Wishing you and your family well.