My family needs suggestions

Annielou2 · August 11

My 83 Yr mother was diagnosed about 4 years ago. She was slowly progressing . My dad who is 88 takes care of her and they still live my childhood home . Dad recently said he needed help with mom. We found a caregiver to come 3 times a week and helps with laundry , cooking and bathing for mom . We thought all was going good. After a month mom is having symptoms of sundowning, showing aggravation , not recognizing my dad , stating she wants to go home . Is it possible that having a caregiver come has triggered this ? We are just at a loss . Dad has to call one of us to either come to the house to help him or get us on the phone with her to try to convince her she is safe and that is her husband. We have reached out to her Dr. but they never call back until after a wk . Any input on this or how to handle the situation is appreciated.

harshedbuzz · August 11

@Annielou2

Hi and welcome. I am sorry for your reason to be here, but pleased you found this place.

I suspect you're looking as cause & effect backwards. It's most likely that the progression of the disease that caused dad to need extra help in the house that is triggering the confusion and sundowning and not the other way around.

If she's sundowning and agitated, medication could be prescribed to dial back the anxiety that can exacerbate these behaviors.

As for her not recognizing her DH, this isn't uncommon. Often PWD slip into the past and don't recognize the 88-year-old version of their spouse. Sometimes they don't recognize themselves in a mirror or pictures. It's great the phone calls are working. Another trick would be for dad to leave the room for a few minutes and introduce himself as her loving husband on his return. This often is enough to manage this issue.

HB

Annielou2 · August 12

Thank you , I didnt think about it like that. I appreciate your comment and helpful words of encouragement .

Alex Carrillo · August 12

Hello AnnieLou2. I just joined this forum and came across your post.

Mother was diagnosed with this terrible desease 4 years ago and it has been a roller coaster for me being the only caregiver. .However, since I been taking care of her, I had done an intense research trying to find piece for me and my Mother and I had found couple of Natural things that had help with Sundowning and Anxiety.

This are the following supplements that had easy our pain:

Sundowning/ sleep

1.one 3mg Organic Melatonine , around 4:00pm or when sundowning

2. One 500mg Ashwagandha one hour before bedtime

Morning/ Cognitive
1.one Rhodiola capsule with breakfast

2. One teaspoon of Lionsmane powder
Sprinkle in foods at least 3 times a. week.

It has help my Mother with anxiety , mood ,sleep and daily activities.

There's some studies made that Melatonine could help slow down dementia/altzheimer if taking for three months. You can gradually increase dose to 6mg. Make sure to buy a reputable brand with nothing else but Melatonine.

Best luck.

3. One pill of Rhodiola in the morning
It helps with depression and mood

4.

SusanB-dil · August 12

Just a note - Please, please be careful with over-the-counter supplements!

Some of these can seriously interact with a LO's meds! In some cases, some dementia's will react in a different manner than what is hoped.

Before taking anything, check with their doctor about the type of dementia, and you can check with your pharmacist about interactions.

My family needs suggestions

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