Connect
← Return to Caregiver support and dementia: What are your book recommendations?
Discussion
Caregiver support and dementia: What are your book recommendations?
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Aug 10, 2022 | Replies (65)Comment receiving replies
Yes - he does have that RUN sleep disorder - and so far we are able to manage it with busy days & a time-release melatonin tablet at night (we tried a few different ones to find one that worked for him). Interesting - when he is "too busy" or stressed about the next day he has trouble sleeping thought the night. So we are working on finding a balance of activity - enough to sleep but not too much to stress him out.
Replies to "Yes - he does have that RUN sleep disorder - and so far we are able..."
My husband (89) recently was diagnosed with dementia - a lot more tests coming in mid September. He also has CKD (kidney); Enlarged Prostrate; CVI among other health problems - 7 prescriptions at present time. For the past 8 years he has had REM Disorder - which doctors didn't mention or maybe pick up on. I've learned to sleep on the edge of the bed and at sometimes had to sleep in another room or on the couch. Last night he had another episode. The lashes out, talks in his sleep, remembers his dreams but doesn't remember moving. He also hears music (songs, etc.) - all started happening about the same time. Problems with using technical equipment (remotes, PC, phone, etc.) started a year or so earlier than the REM. From symptoms listed my guess is Lewys Body Dementia. Daughter disagrees whole heartedly.
Recently almost constant anger issues - was put on Seroquel, which took over a month to kick in but now helping dramatically. He was taken off Clonazepam, which I understand can actually help with REM disorder. He has always had sleeping issues. He wants to go back on the Clonazepam so I dropped a note to his doctor that took him off. Melatonin has never helped him - nor most sleeping pills, either prescription or OTC.
He was 6' and 200 pounds (lost height and some weight) while I'm 5'3 and about 105 pounds - I don't do well when he is thrashing lol.
Connect
What a great plan. I agree with you, @kristin816, there is probably a fine balance between providing distractions and having restful times.
I am glad to hear that the time-release melatonin is working well for him. If you don't mind sharing more, how soon, before bedtime does he take the melatonin?