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Introductions: Are you caring for someone with dementia?
Caregivers: Dementia | Last Active: Aug 16 2:33pm | Replies (762)Comment receiving replies
72 year old spouse continues rapid dementia decline. I try to keep things as even keel and "normal" as possible. She has taken to sleeping 12-16 hours at a time; is this normal? I would ask the doctor, but they are much too busy to deal with dementia questions since there is no cure and thus no money to be made! She has finally declined to the point of not fighting me quite so hard on taking her medications, but her personal hygiene and laundry is starting to be a problem. Just looking for ideas to help her and salvage my now destroyed retirement!
Replies to "72 year old spouse continues rapid dementia decline. I try to keep things as even keel..."
My husband died with Parkinson's dementia. It is horribly hard to deal with no matter what you try to do to help.I was around your age when it started. After he died i had to be treated for breast cancer which I believe was at least partly due to stress.
If she wants to sleep, let her sleep. Her body actually repairs it's self whie sleeping and you get a break.
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@ultrajko Have you thought about changing to a geriatrician? I know you don’t want to change doctors, but seeing a geriatrician might be best for you and your wife. They are specialists in aging and would easily be able to discuss dementia. They might also know where you could find a part time nurse’s aide to help you.
I can sense that you are overwhelmed and stressed and having a caregiver for a few hours a week would allow you some time to take care of yourself.
What do you think?