Constant Talking

Dawn MB

Hi all.  It's been awhile since I have posted, but am always online reading your similar stories and bountiful help.   I was wondering of anyone has a LO with mid-stage Alz who talks CONSTANTLY.   My mom has been babbling continuously since she got up this morning.  It's like her thoughts are coming out of her mouth.  She talks to the birds, the TV, the trees, the universe.   She's told the dog she loves her over 100 times and me, well less. It's unnerving and I'm trying to work at the same time.   I gave her clear nail polish to do her nails.  She actually did so successfully, but did not miss a beat with her mouth.  Anyway, just curious if anyone else has experienced this.

harshedbuzz

Yes. This is a dementia-driven symptom. 

It even has a name-- garrulity.


Non-Stop Talking in Dementia - How to Manage Garrulity - RespectCareGivers

dayn2nite2

It doesn’t seem like it now, but you will miss it when the disease makes her unable to spontaneously talk.

Get some headphones so you can do your work.

Does she like to draw or color?  Maybe colored pencils and adult coloring books? Or even a kid book with birds and dogs?

ZackFootInMouth

At least she acknowledges you right? And isn't talking at, over, or through you?

Granted, it's probably not on topics of your choosing...

BassetHoundAnn

What an interesting discussion! I hadn't realized that non-stop talking was a dementia symptom. My mom was always a talker so when she started talking a blue-streak I didn't think anything of it. Holy cow it was frustrating. Along with talking constantly she insisted I listen constantly and respond. I spent many agonizing hours in doctor's offices or the ER with her chattering away at my side at breakneck velocity, growing angry if I tried to read or didn't respond as attentively as she desired. I think this phase lasted about two years. And she still has streaks. Yesterday when I visited her in the memory care she was going strong, regaling anyone in listening range. Tonight however when I put her on the phone with an old friend her conversation was pretty much limited to "yeah" and "sure" with an occasional "how's gramma?" tossed in. Anyone's guess as to whose gramma she was asking about.

quartlow2

BassetHoundAnn wrote:

"Tonight however when I put her on the phone with an old friend her conversation was pretty much limited to "yeah" and "sure" with an occasional "how's gramma?" tossed in."

Wow - What a great friend!  I'd be tempted to call that one regularly. lol

BassetHoundAnn

quartlow2 wrote:

BassetHoundAnn wrote:

"Tonight however when I put her on the phone with an old friend her conversation was pretty much limited to "yeah" and "sure" with an occasional "how's gramma?" tossed in."

Wow - What a great friend!  I'd be tempted to call that one regularly. lol

Yeah, she certainly is an amazing friend! In fact she called me tonight to ask if my mom was o.k. and why I hadn't called and put her on the phone lately. Friends like that are hard to find when one has an LO with dementia. She's been a great source of support and I feel very lucky. 

Dawn MB

Thank you, everyone.  This has all been so helpful.   As a side note, mom is now in rehab after falling out of the car and breaking her ankle.  Now she is telling everyone that I ran her over with the car.      Today was her first day, so they were to have done a cognitive test before determining an rehab routine.   I'm off now to visit her.