Talking to self for hours
I am caring for my mother in law ...she has dementia. For the past few days when she is in bed either at night or the afternoon...she has talked nonstop. She seems to be having a great time...laughing and telling all kinds of stories. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced something like this with a dementia patient?
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My grandmother with Alzheimer’s used to talk to herself in a mirror. We at least knew that she wasn’t lonely. If it got to us we could just cover the mirror but we seldom did. At least she is happy.
Hello @boston19 I am Scott and I helped take care of my mother-in-law when she had dementia. She, too, had a period in her disease where she would talk to herself. I don't recall how long this stage lasted, but it ended as abruptly as it began.
It is always nice to hear others have some of the same experiences in caregiving! Thanks for raising this topic here!
Strength, courage, and peace!
My wife of 61 years, she is 79 years old, has Alzheimer's. Her Father, Sister and Brother all died with Alzheimer's. For the past 2 months, she talks to herself (in a whisper). From the time she wakes up in the morning until she goes to sleep, she mumbles in a whisper. When I can understand, she is often is talking with her sister or our daughter.
My wife talks constantly. Often mumbling in a whisper. I have hearing problems so it really complicates things. Many times she says something which I don't understand I ask "what", to which she responds "what". She has never had any hobbies other than reading and interacting with children. I have recently purchased an interactive Doll. It has been great for her and me. It babbles and laughs a lot to she keeps occupied with it for hours. I can actually get some chores done when she has the doll. It is available on amazon for $80 and is worth every penny...Lova Belle is the name.
Hello @billmullins I am Scott and it's nice to e-meet you here. I am sorry to read about the terrible amount of Alzheimer's Disease in your wife's family and that your wife now has it too.
At times during her illness, my wife also would mumble to herself. When I asked her doctor about this he said it could be that she was totally unaware she was doing it, since when I would try and talk with her about it, she couldn't recall anything she had been saying. I also remember at times my wife would be 'sure' I was standing in the room next to her, when I was elsewhere in the house.
It is a big challenge for caregivers when our beloved patients are having challenges in communicating -- especially when we hang on every word or mumble they offer us!
I am so glad you are here on Connect! Caregiving can be so isolating, and Connect is can be a way of breaking down that isolation -- plus lots of caregivers here can offer support, ideas, and advice based on their experiences!
I look forward to hearing from you again whenever you have the time!
Courage, strength, and peace!
Thanks @alanm What a great idea!