My mother (93) with dementia sleeps about 18 hours. Should we be worried?

Dementia takes on a life of its own and each individual is unique. Having said that her brain is not making enough synapses in order to "talk" to other cells, and the serotonin level is depleted (probably). This neurotransmitter is necessary to ward off depression (causing the sleepiness). Since this is a terminal illness, you know her best and what you need to do. There probably isn't much you can do except wake her up to give her fluids. Taking any antidepressant will only constipate her and also make her sleep more.

Lynette you clearly ARE worried or you wouldn't have asked the question. Give the docs a call and ask them if this is normal - given the medication she is on. If this has come on suddenly I would be worried too if it has been a very gradual progression then not so much. BUT if there has been a change of meds recently then I would definitely ask the question your Mum may be experiencing a negative interaction between two drugs. Before you get all angsty about the doctor some meds are fine together in one person but not in another and only through vigilance can a doctor know although you should ALWAYS monitor someone when a change of meds occurs in case this does happen.

I hope that helps you make a decision about what to do next

18 hours a day--that's a lot of hours. The problem with being in bed all the time is decreased mobility will give a higher predisposition toward clots or pneumonia. Muscles, bones get weaker and higher risk for falls. She sounds bedridden already. Of course you did not give enough data--how long she been like this or is this a sudden change..if it's a sudden change, get her to the Emergency Room.

My mom has dementia and is 83. She sleeps from 540pm to 7 am. They go thru a lot during the day. A lot we don't even know about. If she is not overly medicated then I think it's normal for the course based upon my reading and experiences. I think at 93 she. Probably doesn't do much snywY. Let her rest.

My mother had LBD and she slept a lot towards the end. She was sleeping more and more to the point she would sleep the whole time I would visit. I think it is just the process of the dementia.

My father is 92 with dementia and I wish he would sleep. He roams around all hours of the night and doesn't sleep much in the day, either. I am exhausted!

Sleeping a lot is considered part of the disease. Their minds are overwhelmed with confusion and sleep provides escape and peace. My mom is 91 and over the year she went from 12 hour nights to 14, then 16 and now up to 18. The doctor told me there is no underlying illness, she still eats breakfast and lunch and consumes water so if sleeping is what she enjoys, use that time for "me".

My mom spends lot of time in bed much of it sleeping but she is wide awake when I wake her in the afternoon. I thought I was interrupting her nap and tried going earlier but she was in bed asleep at 10:00 a.m., too.

I think it is a way of retreating from the confusion of memory loss. It has been along time since she was able to read a book because she cannot remember the plot or who the characters are. I notice that she doesn't have TV on anymore and I think she just can't follow what is happening on the news and forget about films--or can she remember how to turn it on! It has been years since she was able to change channels. Conversation is tricky because she can't remember what people have said--but then no one else where she is can either.

So wha tis there to stay awake for? She still can and loves to play cards so that is what we do. But the Others can't be playing cards all day long. So, she sleeps.

She's 90 and quite content with things. What can you do?

WHAT IS YOUR FEAR? That she might die in her sleep? If she is at peace within herself, please let nature take its course. Work on acceptance and be grateful for the years you have had together. Make her as comfortable as possible. Use mouth swabs to wet her lips if she is breathing through her mouth and her lips look dry.

I have noticed this with my 91 yo mum, as well. She does not have dementia but does seem to sleep A LOT! I don't think she gets a full night's sleep and often sleeps on and off during the day. She will be reading something and boom! asleep for hours then wake up for about another hour and boom! back to sleep again. She seems content but it's worrisome to me. It seems sometimes she's just bored and prefers to sleep. I"m not sure but I totally get why you're concerned. I am, too.