Dad lacks motivation or interest

2parents/brain change

Hello there,

Our Dad is 95. Lost his wife three years ago. Grieved terribly!!

He's now in full blown dementia. He is just so without any of his old spark or interest.

He has been in care for 9 months now.

Has anyone else seen this lack of interest? Do anti-depressants help?

Thanks,

housefinch

You’re describing apathy, which is a common symptom in dementia. It’s part of the disease. It can look like depression, and some people with early dementia are mistaken for having depression when they actually have dementia.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/apathy-dementia

harshedbuzz

Ditto @housefinch

Apathy is a big part of dementia. Dad's geriatric psychiatrist prescribed him Wellbutrin in an attempt to "activate" him a bit. He was already taking Prozac when we noticed the apathy. Wellbutrin didn't bring much to the party aside from curbing his alcohol intake.

HB

2parents/brain change

THANKS!

M1

probably not a whole lot you can do about it. I think it's part of the letting go overall. My partner has it too, and it's painful to watch. The loss of interest and executive function is so sad. Watching birds and the resident cat is about all that will spark her interest, particularly in these dark winter days. I try to get her to paint children's craft projects but even that is very hard for her to do now, but she likes watching me do it, and then thinks that she's done it. Which is okay. Do you think a robo-pet such as the Joy for All cat or dog would interest him? Just a thought.

2parents/brain change

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/191755#Comment_191755

Ahh, he isn't a pet person, but I really appreciate the response. I think no matter where we are, we compare our loved ones to others we knew with dementia, or with others in the facility, if they are in one. Yet it is similar but different for every person. It's truly wretched at times. It sounds like you are a compassionate, loving partner.

Smilinpj

I feel you. My dad has dementia and my mom Alzheimer's. We didn't know how bad it had gotten with my mom, as my dad is so private, wouldn't tell us anything, so he dealt with it. We moved them into a AL place, thinking that would work, but I think he was just as closed off as mom wouldn't/couldn't do anything they offered. He just sat in the apartment with her, and then Covid shut us off from even visiting. During that time I think he really shut down and became depressed. After he moved in with us, an attempt by us to draw him out, but he wouldn't do anything we suggested. He just sits and watches game shows. We did finally get him on an antidepressant, and it has seemed to help a bit. And I have found that he will read a book (if he thinks he'll like it - history mostly) or Reader's Digest over and over, so I try to find things like that. And wordsearch he'll do. I will suggest calling the one or two friends still alive, and he refuses that every time too. He will laugh at a good joke too, so silly cards or a daily laugh helps him too.

I think it's a matter of time and continued trying to find something they will do. Believe it or not, fidget toys are something he will do. I bought several and put them in a bowl on this side table, and now and again he'll pick them up and fiddle with them. I am sending you hugs.

2parents/brain change

Thank you! I really appreciate the support from this community!