Startle response

Arrowhead

My wife is in early to mid stage 7. When I arrived to see her she was sleeping but awoke shortly. After a short moment, her whole body jumped like she was startled. This happened about eight times within a couple of minutes. Does anyone know if this means anything?

harshedbuzz

That sounds like myoclonus.

These can be triggered by dementia.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/myoclonus/symptoms-causes/syc-20350459#:~:text=Myoclonus%20may%20be%20caused%20by%20a%20variety%20of%20underlying

Iris L.

This could be the startle reflex, aka the Moro reflex, which is seen in infants. Due to brain deterioration, the infant reflexes can reappear in persons with dementia.

Iris