Dementia Care, Husband's Memory Takes a Sudden Drop and He Is Sleeping

Our dementia care expert, Dr. Rita Jablonski-Jaudon, answers a reader question about a sudden drop in memory, and excessive sleeping."Bob, thank you so much for your informative site. I have a question.I know everyone is different, but my husband has made a dive downward in the last couple days. He is sleeping a lot more during the day. Also his memory is pretty much gone as far as short term and reaching back . Is the sleeping issue normal for some. I'm thinking of taking him off his medications for Alzheimer's. I know I will talk to Dr. Just wanted your valuable take on it."3 Ways to Redirect a Dementia Patient and Embrace RealitySubscribe to the Alzheimer's Reading RoomEmail:By Rita A. Jablonski-JaudonAlzheimer's Reading RoomUTI was the first thing that popped into my head.The Connection Between UTI and Worsening DementiaAny sudden dive raises my suspicions immediately. Also, something that few care providers think of, and family members may miss because the symptoms are slowly progressive--sinus infections. Here is the usual development.The person with dementia gets a cold, caregiver treats the symptoms using over-the-counter remedies, which is appropriate, and the person with dementia seems to get better. Meanwhile, the goo in their sinuses is hosting a germ party and once the bacteria reach a critical mass--bam!Confusion, more sleeping, worsening memory, incontinence. So now, I also ask about recent colds (up to 4 weeks prior) when a family member calls with t...
Source: Alzheimer's Reading Room, The - Category: Neurology Tags: alzheimer's awareness Alzheimer's Dementia alzheimers care dementia care dementia help for caregivers family caregiving help alzheimer's help with dementia help with dementia care Source Type: blogs