obsessions

dgubbru1

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...

charley0419

there is no ryme or reason with this illness.

marier

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.

dgubbru1

Agree, most of the behaviors make no sense at all. Feel very isolated and alone, only 58 and DW's physical health is amazing but at this point we really can't converse much in any meaningful way. I feel her frustration in her inability to process or converse or express her emotions. Often behaves like a small child but without the potential to grow and learn. Even though this started 10 years ago feels like the current severity snuck up on me and I am not ready. I stay connected with sanity through work but at home feels like the walls closing in on me, and now with very disturbed sleep more challenging to stay loving and patient. Most of my resources go to ensuring she has safe caregivers when I work, plus I feel so much guilt if I leave her home for any type of social interaction with other adults. Sorry rambling on but just wondering how people find a way to carry on?

SDianeL

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

Carl46

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

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.