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Repetitive behavior

My DH was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 6 years ago. He constantly rubs his eyes and now he has big knots on his tear ducts. We’ve been to an ophthalmologist and was told there is nothing physically wrong. Whenever my DH doesn’t have anything to distract him, or when I’m not holding his hands he rubs. I’m afraid that he’s ruining his eyes.

Comments

  • JulietteBee
    JulietteBee Member Posts: 622
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    Look up Chalazion. I could be wrong, but it sounds as if your hubby may have that.

  • SDianeL
    SDianeL Member Posts: 3,421
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    I would talk to the Ophthalmologist again about the bumps on his tear ducts. They can be treated. My husband complained about his eyes and vision and the Neurologist changed the diagnosis from Dementia-probably vascular to Alzheimer’s Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA) after review of his last CT scan. Talk to the Neurologist to rule out PCA.

  • Chammer
    Chammer Member Posts: 259
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    Would your DH use a fidget toy, sort buttons or coins, work a puzzle, fold towels or socks, flip through a photo book to keep his hands busy and away from his eyes?

  • H1235
    H1235 Member Posts: 2,339
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    My moms eye lids and all around her eyes are very very dry (maybe from medication). I bought her OCuSOFT eye wipes. Maybe they could help soothe the irritation some. I have no idea how to address the habit.

  • marier
    marier Member Posts: 168
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    My DH didn't rub his eyes repeatedly. However he did clap and rub his hands together. Also he picked at his arm hair. The pick caused sores which caused more picking. The neurologist prescribed a mild anti anxiety medication which helped immensely. Long sleeved shirts helped as well with the arm picking. The meds decreased the clapping and rubbing to a tolerable level. Eventually this behaviour stopped all together.

Commonly Used Abbreviations


DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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