Nonstop Singing

small1999

Hello I am new to the group. Been caring for my DH with vascular dementia for about 3 years. Recently he has started singing and humming non stop. Sometimes I can drown it out but other times it is very un-nerving. He attends an adult day service program twice a week where he has also started the nonstop singing. Any suggestions? Has lots of activities so not sure I can attribute it to boredom because he sings thru the activities. Had my wits end…

Biggles

Oh my goodness you have just made me laugh the thought of perhaps my DH getting some enjoyment out of humming or singing, However I really do realise how upsetting and annoying this must be. Can you encourage or direct what your DH hums or sings? It’s quite a nice idea actually I love putting music on that my DH likes but he never hums or sings. I wish my DH could or would hum or sing. You mentioned that your DH goes to an adult day service twice a week oh how I wish my DH would go we have the facility but he flatly refuses to go so we are joined at the hip so to speak for 24/7. I adore him and wouldn’t have it any other way but my only space comes when he drops off to sleep at odd times during the day. Enjoy your space and time when you have it.

Biggles

Karen711

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/71262/nonstop-singing

Welcome Small1999! Glad you found the group! My DW started frequent bouts of humming several years ago. Sometimes there’s a familiar tune, and other times it’s “original composition” ha ha. It used to drive me nuts but somehow I’ve gotten used to it and it fades to the background. I have come to believe that it’s definitely a stress coping mechanism for her, not necessarily an expression of lightheartedness or joy. When I can, during bouts of lots of humming I try to get her engaged in something, anything that might help her relieve that stress (re-direct). Sometimes I turn on music we both like and get ourselves sidetracked that way.
Again, welcome to the group!

Karen

Anna2022

I just heard of a choir for people with dementia and their caregivers: https://www.lovenoteschorus.com/

Maybe there is something similar in your community and maybe it would channel your loved one's singing!

SDianeL

they hum or sing due to anxiety. Distraction usually doesn’t work. Maybe anti anxiety meds might help?