Closing eyes

cbender40

Does anyone’s loved one keep their eyes closed a lot? My mom has entered a phase where she will “talk” to me with her eyes closed. I usually have to repeatedly ask her to try to open them. I’m not sure if this is common or just unique to her.

Thanks in advance

​fesk

It's common. However, do rule out any type of medical issue or infection (UTI). Sometimes my mother would do that if she was sick. When better, that behavior stopped.

But it is also a common behavior. I think to shut out too much stimulation.

I wouldn't ask her to open her eyes unless it is necessary for some reason. That's one of those things that is bothering you - not her. I say that with complete understanding as I have been in this situation. These are the types of things we have to let go of.

cbender40

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/284266#Comment_284266

Thanks for your response. No UTI, although she does get those frequently. No pain or discomfort according to her either. Was just curious if others have similar experiences.

Emily 123

My mom started doing this towards later stage 6. But it may have been part of withdrawing into herself as the disease progressed. She would open her eyes and respond and interact, but if she was just sitting in her wheelchair she'd rest an elbow on the arm of the chair and cover her eyes with her hand. Maybe there's only so much processing the brain can do and reducing outside stimuli feels less overloading.

cbender40

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/284351#Comment_284351

thank you for your response. It’s so sad to see them go through these changes. I find comfort knowing I’m not alone. All I want is for my mom to feel comfortable and as little anxiety as possible.

chelsea846

My father has been doing this since stage 4. He has his eyes shut and rambles on for a while, sometimes replying to me but most times it’s like his brain is on auto-pilot. It seems to happen more when he sundowns.

pjasso

I went to an excellent seminar, and closing the eyes was a discussion point. We were told that there is too much stimulation, too much to have to "deal with" when the eyes are open. My mom has not done this, but I hope to be ready for it when she does.

😪

cbender40

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/284523#Comment_284523

Thanks for your response. Yes, it definitely seems to be more when my mom sundowns as well. The only thing is that she barely sleeps overnight, so in the early morning she seems the most coherent. After about 1pm is when it’s the worst and she is very out of it. So the sundown starts super early unfortunately.

cbender40

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/284562#Comment_284562

Thank you for the info. Yeah it’s very sad. I assumed that’s why my mom does it, but wanted to see if others had the same experience. Sending positive thoughts to you and your mom.