October 28, 2013
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Damn Dementia
Dementia has got to be one of the most cruel diseases around. It’s reduced my dad from a very intelligent & articulate man to one that lashes out (verbally and physically), cries and hard to manage. It escalates at night turning bedtime into a nightmarish situation. I don’t understand his mind. He seems fine during the day and during the night – this other person comes out. My sister bears the brunt of this. I’m able to go home and wallow in guilt.
Comments (14)
That doesn’t sound like guilt! You’ve done what could be done — nothing to be guilty about! Hang in, there — he’ll eventually get over the anger and frustration, and be easy and gentle again.
We’ve asked the doctor for some medication to ease his night time anxiety attacks. As for feeling guilty, I think it just happens very naturally for me.
I’m sorry your Dad is going through this…and that you and your family are going through it with him.
Please don’t feel guilty. (I understand why you do, but please don’t beat yourself up emotionally.) You are doing all you can! You are a great son!
Continued prayers and HUGS!
It seems a lot worse in the evenings to early morning. Thanks for all the prayers and support.
Matt, can you give him Halodal before bed time. That usually helps a lot. Don’t feel guilty love, we all bear our own crosses, and you have been such a fine son and taken care of him so well.
We’ve asked the doctor for some medicine to calm him down at nights. Sometimes he’ll wake up between 2 and 5 feeling very emotionally stressed out and having an anxiety attack. Thanks for the suggestion and we’ll see what the doctor prescribes. I hope you’re staying strong.
Thank you, I guess I need to be periodically reminded.
It’s all part of the journey, I guess.
Yeah, I keep telling myself that these types of experiences will make me stronger eventually.
if only there are things one could do to make things easy. i can only imagine the hurt you and you sis feel to see your dad in such state. have patience. hang in there. we are here to support you. hugs.
We had another tough night, emotionally draining and stressful. I’m staying with him again tonight. Thanks Rudy for your support and the hugs from across the globe.
Went through that with Mom for a long time. Better meds can help a lot. Realize that the angry unstable person lashing out isn’t really your Dad. Enjoy the good moments while they last and try to have some good conversations while he is doing well. Thoughts and prayers, Matt. I wish there was something more I could do to help.
Today is the first day of his new meds for dementia. I just hope it’ll improve his sleep. I didn’t sleep much last night and had to work today (thanks to 4 cups of coffee).