My mother has dementia and is in the severe stage. She has been hitting herself. Is this common?

Just as another aside, you might try a weighted blanket or one of those special animals in the Alzheimer’s store

MBuckner: Your query should be posed to her neurologist.

I agree. Consult with a geriatrician, geriatric psychiatrist or neurologist. If you watch retarded children you will find them often hitting themselves as a way to “feel” something. It is a sensory deprivation problem since they are cut off from the world as she is by not being able to communicate. Does she listen to music from her era? I’m just thinking that she might be able to replace hitting with rocking. Anyway a physician will probably put her on some mild anti-anxiety medications to calm her but personally, if you recall the videos of the Rumanian orphans rocking in their cribs and banging themselves you can see how holding, hugging, stoking is what they were seeking-human contact. From an article: “It is well established that up to 10% of episodes of self-harm in late life occur in people with dementia, often in association with depression.

Probably psychotic meds. Probably need reducing and then eliminating. They are usually not good for 80 years of age and older.

I agree with venting. I would definitely discuss these issues with her doctor, especially since she is unable to communicate with you.

I am so sorry that you are going through this.

I hope this is resolved soon for your mother. Please let us know how she is doing.

Tardive Dyskinesia comes to mind if she takes anti psychotic meds:

https://www.tardiveimpact.com/what-is-td?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=USA_GO_SEM_NB_EX_TDImpactAustedo-DTC-Condition-Diagnosis-All-All-NA-NBA-All&utm_term=symptoms+of+td&utm_content=Tardive+Symptoms&gclid=CjwKCAjwge2iBhBBEiwAfXDBRzLerGzGIfGyDc2MIqtmWhMPj-m92IGkSBgndcJCa1VFv-hwUcgi8RoCYrsQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Parasomnias are disruptive sleep disorders that can cause jerking movements and hitting oneself during REM and non REM sleep patterns, too. Also linked to certain meds. Here is a link to an interesting article on the subject:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12133-parasomnias--disruptive-sleep-disorders

Of course seek medical advice from mom's PCP as we can only guess as to what's really going on.

Best of luck

Could be PAIN. Any recent falls? New injuries/bruises?
Agree to ask her Docfor.

You must ask a doctor. Please don't ask strangers on a forum who've never seen your mother, and who're not doctors.

A doctor can tell you whether you need to worry or not; diagnosis; what can be done.