Medication, UTI or just Alzheimer’s?

Tross760

Mom has been home with us since December 16th, sleep has always been a little rough with her, before Gero psych unit she would sleep 12 hours a night. After coming home, she sleeps maybe six on a good night... anyways, the last week has been tough, mom says she is tired, I get her in bed, and then next thing you know she is up and down a zillion times. Going potty, washing hands, brushing teeth, trying to come back out and color or watch TV. The last few nights she has said she is worried about the baby or what if there is a fire. (We have no baby) 

She is already on 150mg trazadone. The psych recently added memantine a couple weeks ago. Is this a medication side effect? Should o test for a UTI? Is this just Alzheimer’s?? 

I am so tired and not sure what to do. 

Rescue mom

It “could”  be any of those things, but to me it sounds like her dementia is progressing. My DH had no side effects for memantine, others could speak to that. A UTI usually comes on more suddenly, like overnight, with big behavior changes. You can get a test done, and at least settle the question. But to me it just sounds like dementia, which always gets worse.

There are OTC and Rx meds that could help her sleep more at night. Of course you have to get some sleep, too. Caregivers’ unable to get sleep, wandering, and physical aggression are the biggest reasons for placement.