Question for those dealing (or have dealt) with dementia that comes?!


Question: Question for those dealing (or have dealt) with dementia that comes
and "goes" like a roller coaster:

Is this specific to Parkinsonism or does Alzheimers and other dementia
also vary so much. Do other forms of dementia revert to normal or
near normal states so frequently? Is this just a stage?

Those following my posts know my husband has had some really bad days
lately, to the extent he was laying on the floor humming soaked in
urine, refusing meds just a few days ago. He wanted to go home, to
find his deceased earlier wife Ruth, or other versions of me.

After making me promise to take him home tomorrow before he would go
to bed last night, he woke up this morning pretty much in his "right
mind". He wasn't worried about home, no concern for Ruth or missing
"other" Kathy's. He's aware he's home, plans to watch the Hawkeyes
(most likely) lose a basketball game to Minnesota in about 20 minutes
and wants to come with me to buy groceries after the game. Yes!

Hypothesis 1: the worry abou


Answers: Question for those dealing (or have dealt) with dementia that comes
and "goes" like a roller coaster:

Is this specific to Parkinsonism or does Alzheimers and other dementia
also vary so much. Do other forms of dementia revert to normal or
near normal states so frequently? Is this just a stage?

Those following my posts know my husband has had some really bad days
lately, to the extent he was laying on the floor humming soaked in
urine, refusing meds just a few days ago. He wanted to go home, to
find his deceased earlier wife Ruth, or other versions of me.

After making me promise to take him home tomorrow before he would go
to bed last night, he woke up this morning pretty much in his "right
mind". He wasn't worried about home, no concern for Ruth or missing
"other" Kathy's. He's aware he's home, plans to watch the Hawkeyes
(most likely) lose a basketball game to Minnesota in about 20 minutes
and wants to come with me to buy groceries after the game. Yes!

Hypothesis 1: the worry abou

This is one of the hardest aspects of dealing w/a person who has dementia. You just never know in advance what you'll get. The best you can do is enjoy the good times when you have them, & remember to laugh. Music & laughter are 2 of the best ways to reach someone when they are lost & can't find their way back. Dance is good too--the old timey music seems to kick into a part of the brain that can still work. Recently one of our residents(I'm a CNA in a nursing home) heard a tape of some polka music while she was helping fold towels. This woman walks around, but only rarely speaks English (she was raised in Germany, which makes it hard to connect w/her), & she immediately stood up, took the hand of the activity aide, & began to dance.!! She was GOOD too! No one could believe what they were seeing. When the music ended, she sat down & was as unreachable as usual. SO--take advantage of those moments, they're rare, & you never when /if the next one will come. Take it a day at a time & don't forget to take good care of yourself too. Remember you have friends that you don't even know, but we are here..

sound like the start of Alzheimer's [comes and goes]
take him to the Dr. or er when he is having his memory loss

It is not specific to Parkinsonism, it is also typical to Alzheimer. Even if your husband woke up today in the best of shapes and even if again tomorrow and after tomorrow he has to go to the doctors and get a proper check-up.
I am sorry you are going through such a rough period. You can email me anytime if you want to vent.
Good luck!
Jojo





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