Monday, February 13, 2012

Friday, June 20, 2008 Roma asks

Q: how do you manage night time roaming of husband with alzheimer's

 

my husband roams at night looking for things. Cry                                                                                                                         

Answer This
Answers (2)
6/23/08 2:15pm

 

Hi Roma

 

If someone with Alzheimer's is rendering a lot at night there are a number of things you can try. I would avoid medication unless you become desperate. Try to address some of the following issues first.

 

Think of their comfort:

Make sure they have not had a heavy meal or drunk too much fluid before bedtime

Do they need the bathroom?

Are they warm/cool enough in bed

Are they hungry?

All these are just a few examples.

 

Then think about their environment

Is the room well ventilated?

Is lighting appropriate? Complete darkness can be frightening, heavy shadowing can also cause confusion/fear. A small dim light can help avoid accidents and be can be reassuring.

 

Try to delineate between day time and night time. Think about enough activities in the day so that they are tired before bedtime

Avoid assisting them to bed too early

Do not have stimulating activities before bedtime

A warm bath, soft music, may help relax them-so might a warm milky drink

 

If they get up try not to engage them in conversation. Short sentences in a soft reassuring voice will help.

 

If these examples do not work seek help from heath care services and your doctor.

 

Good luck

 

Christine

 

Reply
6/21/08 7:42am

my mom was roming at night alot, or actually she was sleep walking.  the doc put her on rispodol to help her sleep through the night. so far it seems to be working great.

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of The HealthCentral Network. The HealthCentral Network does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (1454) >