My (81) year old wife has advanced Alzheimer’s. Our 10th year since diagnosis. We have been doing very well, but (3) months ago she had (3) full body seizures. Never had a seizure before that. Those are under control with anti-seizure meds but she has now started having very mild “petit mal” or “absence seizures” every time she is eating her meals. I can count on one, at least, sometimes two. Obviously I have to then stop feeding to prevent choking. Has anyone experienced this just during meals and any helpful hints?
Jim M
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Even pets can react to such sounds. One of my cats had a full body seizure when he accidentally bumped his Corningware bowls together which make a high pitch ting sound.
I realize it won't be easy to check every move or every sound while dining. Do what you can to see if there is a pattern.
Foods thought to be bad for seizures: white bread; non-wholegrain cereals; biscuits and cakes; honey; high-sugar drinks and foods; fruit juices; chips; mashed potatoes; parsnips; dates and watermelon. In general, processed or overcooked foods and over-ripe fruits.
It may be worth your while to pay attention to WHAT foods your wife is eating when she has a seizure; keep notes, see if you can attribute a certain food to her having a seizure.
I am no expert, by any means, just sharing a theory that may or may not work.
GOOD LUCK!
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My grandson suffered from Grand mals and absent seizures and he had to notify his neurologist every time he had one. Helped in adjusting his meds. He is epileptic. Since a Dementia damages the brain, seizures are not uncommon.
They can be triggered by a number of things. Tiredness, fever, light stimulation, stress to name a few.
If your wife's seizures occur only when she is eating it could be a trigger for her. If that is the case try feeding her at a different time, in a different place or possibly put on some nice relaxing music, talk to her in a quiet calming voice.
And I would not make a "fuss" when it is over, just go about the routine you were doing.
I would certainly tell her neurologist about them, and perhaps it's time to up the dose of her seizure medicine or time to add another. Wishing you the best.