I am a new caregiver and my mother suffers from dementia. How do I keep her calm from wanting to leave in the middle of the night?

If neither of you are getting good sleep keep asking for help! My first thoughts are that your Mother sounds manic, dry mouth & rapid heartbeat are classic dehydration symptoms, shaky hands could be low BP or low blood sugar. You said she has already had medical reviews & all is ok? Does she take any meds for anxiety or melatonin?

Here are some practical ideas - many others have reported this problem on the forum & will have more ideas.

Does she verbalise why she has to leave? Is she trying to 'get home'? (Not recognising she is home). Is it fear? Hallucinations? The changing light, shadows & darkness can make things appear different & scary. Start with reasuring her that she is safe.

Increase safety as best you can. Some people have put a small slide latch up high on inside of front/back doors. Also a small bell on door handle as an alert she's on the move.

It is common for people to look for the bathroom - as it looks different in the dark. Sensor motion lights that come on if entering the hallway or bathroom may help her find it & may also help prevent a fall.

Trust your gut instinct - if you think something is wrong, it probably is.

She needs to be seen by a geriatric psychiatrist.

There is nothing "medically" wrong that a blood test is going to show. There is plenty that is behaviorally wrong and there are meds that can reduce her agitation and anxiety.