CPAP advice

ileanabeatriz · March 11

Our 82-year-old LO used a CPAP for years but as rapid onset dementia developed he stopped. He still seems able to sleep OK and the MC people say residents generally don’t have them (unless they know how to use them). Is that just the way it is?

SDianeL · March 11

yes. Unfortunately as dementia progresses the PWD does not understand why or how to use them. Someone would have to sit there all night and keep replacing it. It also may make the PWD agitated. Same thing may happen with dentures, glasses and hearing aids.

H1235 · March 11

I think so. Mom is still able to use hers for now. I can monitor its use with an app. It’s kind of hit or miss on use now. I noticed that one night she only used it for three hours. When I went to visit she said she was confused because she wore it all night but it didn’t use any water. So I think she put it back on but forgot to turn it on after using the bathroom. Some nights it wonder if she left it running and never put it back on. I’ll will keep it around as long as is I can, but I know it’s only a matter of time before she is no longer able to use it.

harshedbuzz · March 11

@ileanabeatriz

Resistance to C-Pap and BiPap compliance is a common concern here. It's frustrating, because for many, treating the sleep apnea is especially important for those with cognitive issues.

I think for many, dementia is a kind of time-travel to the past which could explain why so many folks resist the machine as not necessary for them. That said, the weight loss associated with many in the later stages of dementia can result in improvements for some with OSA.
HB

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