Monday, February 02, 2009 Catherine asks

Q: Problem with balance and sleep.

Just to give a little background .......

My father is a 59 and was diagnosed with alzheimer's 2+ years ago. We are a family of 4 siblings, myself and three brothers. I am a mum of a 2yr old and 7wk old daughters, so life is busy. I wish I could play a more active role in taking my father off my mother's hands for a few hours a day but to be honest it's just not happening.

My father is at the stage where physically he is still independent but of late showing signs of being a bit unbalanced. He is also getting up earlier as in 6am and wanders aimlessly about the house, or would sit in darkness.

He is very mixed up, forgetting things, as in food consumed, walks or drives that he's just come from and every day is just a learning curve for all of us regarding how Alzheimer's is taking over.

He is also not on any medication so my question is just if anyone could spread a bit of their insight into the following -

maintaining sleep

problems with balance, walking

short term memory is very bad

any ideas on promoting conversation - i know that might sound like a mad question but my dad is a yes/no answering man, and I'd like to be able to extend chatting with him as he's gone so quiet, but it's such a battle.

Any feedback would be lovely and much appreciated,

Many thanks in advance,

Catherine

Answers (3)

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Carol Bradley Bursack

2/ 3/09 8:08am

Hi Catherine,

I'm so glad you wrote. First of all, your dad should likely be on medication. This is something that your mother, and you if possible, need to talk with his doctor about. Some of the medications can help stave off symptoms for awhile.

Besides that, the balance problem could be an inner ear infection. Something as simple as a low-grade bladder or ear infection can even cause dementia to be worse.

Don't go on a guilt trip about not being able to help your mother every day. You've got your hands full. Your dad has early on-set Alzheimer's and he needs medical help. Maybe you could help your mom the most by looking into some in-home help for her, so she can rest.

Your dad may be getting up as he's confused and restless - even frightened. Perhaps an anti-anxiety medication would be appropriate. Only his doctor can figure these things out.

Please keep in touch and we'll respond the best we can.

Carol

gerby

2/19/09 4:41am

In the early stages we would write notes for my father on "dry erase' board, or leave them on the table where he would go to every am. also remind him that in "the morning we are sleeping in, so you don't have to get up so early" try to keep some of the same routines in the household will help some too.

with the balance try to see if he will use a cane, which was a lot easier to get to to use than a walker in my house"

Susan Henry

12/18/10 7:43pm

Has your Dad been seen by a geriatric psychiatrist? It is a very special field that can help patients with Alzheimer's and Dementia. My husband could not settle down at night and it took hours to get him to bed. Meds helped. But the medication depends on an evaluation. Hope you can get help so your Mom can get some sleep!

Q: Problem with balance and sleep.

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