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obsessions

New to this support area. My DW seems to be declining slowly but in bursts. Latest is waking at 2-4 AM very agitated, obsessing about eggs and chicken, angry, saying she is leaving, spitting and hitting if I try to calm her. Some nights doesn't happen? Can occur during day too--no idea where this came from. No matter how much I reassure, try to change environment, etc nothing helps. Very frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time. Tried Seroquel, reacted badly...

Comments

  • charley0419
    charley0419 Member Posts: 391
    100 Likes 100 Care Reactions 100 Comments 25 Insightfuls Reactions
    Member

    there is no ryme or reason with this illness.

  • marier
    marier Member Posts: 69
    Sixth Anniversary 25 Likes 25 Care Reactions 10 Comments
    Member

    Welcome! Lots of good information, advice and support on this forum.

    My Dh in the early to moderate stages would often have fits of rage at night or wake in early morning hours. He is in stage 7 now and still somewhat combative in the morning and when assisting him in the bathroom.

    I would suggest you discuss a different medication with your doctor. My DH reacted badly to seroquel when taken during the day. The night time dose did help him for awhile. Now he is on trazadone at night and it has been very helpful.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 1,119
    1000 Comments 500 Care Reactions 250 Insightfuls Reactions 250 Likes
    Member

    keep talking to the doctor. Risperidone helped my DH. Your DW is having delusions and hallucinations which cause anxiety and agitation.

  • Carl46
    Carl46 Member Posts: 364
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    Member

    Zyprexa helped my wife. She still thinks my 20-year old lap robe is a valuable antique brought in a covered wagon by her ancestors, but her agitation is much improved.

  • dgubbru1
    dgubbru1 Member Posts: 5
    5 Care Reactions First Comment
    Member

    Thanks to all for suggestions. My DW now sleeping about 5-6 hours with risperidone, which is a God send. Still wakes up angry, shouting, striking out. Calls for me even though I reassure her I am right here. Often calls for her mom. Must be hallucinating?

    Wondering if any key words/ techniques others have used for calming? She used to do better if I held her hand or put arm around her but now that agitates her more. Tried music, soft light, lots of light, open window shades, etc. So far no help.

    My thoughts and prayers are going out to everyone experiencing this disease and their care givers too.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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