When a 90 year old suffers from dementia, oftentimes he'll see and speak to deceased loved ones prior to death. This does not mean he's dying anytime soon, necessarily, but likely preparing for end of life transition in general. My mother, for instance, who suffered from dementia, was constantly dreaming of her mother (and speaking of her in general) at least a year before she passed away at 95.
I guess the answer would depend on whether or not you believe this life, the mortal coil as it were is all there is.
I had lots of elderly care clients and hospice ones who would dream of their dead loved ones and even think they saw them. I was with a few of my clients in the minutes before or after their passings could feel the presence of others in the room. No, you can't see or hear anything but you can feel it. So, I'd open a window to let those spirits take the person to God and their reward.
Your father's mother and brother could be stopping by because they love him and when it's his time he will go with them.
Disinhibition in sleep and acting out dreams is, yes, more common in the elderly and in those with some underlying dementia, than in the public at large. But for some people it is a fact throughout their lives.
This behavior isn't indicative of dementia in and of itself. Nor does it have any sort of indications that there are actual visitations of family members who have died. It may indicate a mind more troubled and working things out in dream, or a mind that is more reflective on the past and is working that out.
The dream world is, to me, one of the most fascinating parts of being human.
I will tell you that this more active dream life can result in some physical lashing out and even falling out of bed. It did for my brother.
Such an accurate observation AlvaDeer, My husband with Parkinson’s, no dementia talks, argues in his sleep. Sometimes very loud and in language I don’t understand. Falling out of bed happened to him as well. If I recall correctly all this started long before he was diagnosed with PD, perhaps 12-14 years ago. He is extremely gentle man who does not argue IRL, rather by presenting facts he will discuss something rationally. I suspect like Alva said it is reflection of troubled mind or unresolved issues. He also begins to see people by bedside, which troubles me somewhat.
My mom would have dreams and talk in her sleep. She had Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Certain medications can trigger dreams.
My mother started trying to walk out of the front door in the middle of the night and her doctor prescribed Seroquel and Ativan and she slept peacefully.
Some people talk in their sleep on a regular basis. My father did, mom started talking in her sleep. My husband says that I have always talked in my sleep. My youngest daughter talks in her sleep.
I was a sleep walker for years. I don’t think I do it anymore or at least my husband hasn’t mentioned it lately. My parents placed extra locks on the door when I was a kid so I wouldn’t go outside at night.
Are you sure he's asleep? I mean, do you go into his room and look at him? Are his eyes closed? Or are you just hearing him and assuming? I would go in and watch him, if you haven't already done this.
It's pretty common for people with dementia to have mixed up sleep times and patterns, that's why I'm asking if you are sure he's asleep.
Does he take a sleeping aid? We took my mother off prescription sleep aid because she would swear the neighbors were having a party. Then later started the nighttime movement walking around. If so, please watch out for these signs. It took a short time after weaning her off and no more problems T night. Good luck!
It might be time to get your father an evaluation. My 87 year old father was diagnosed with dementia last year. He is having dreams that he thinks are actual events. He has been having delusions and hallucinations also. He no longer shows interest in things like football games that he would constantly watch on television. His behavior is volatile, and he often is obsessed by things. So, perhaps it's time fir your father to be evaluated. Good luck to both of you and all of your loved ones.
What should I do if I think my parent has dementia?
If you think your parent or another relative has dementia, follow these steps to help improve their health and well-being.
Trust your instincts. If you’re seeing unusual behaviors in your family member, jot down the symptoms, when they present, and how often they occur. Think about changes you’ve noticed over the past few years.Learn the signs of dementia.
Educating yourself about various symptoms will help you know what to look for.
It can also help rule out reversible conditions sometimes mistaken for dementia, such as delirium.Talk to your parent. It’s important to share concerns with them before more symptoms occur. Decide how you’ll begin the conversation.
Recognize that it might not go as planned.
Above all, be respectful and offer your support.Talk to a doctor. Reaching an earlier diagnosis will set your loved one on a path to better care and treatment options. Be honest and upfront with the doctor about the symptoms you’ve noticed.
From the Ops profile: I am caring for my father Robert, who is 90 years old, living at home with age-related decline, alzheimer's / dementia, hearing loss, and incontinence.
This is part of the disease. I feel that as they lose their longterm memory the go back in time. I had Mom out one day, she suffered from Dementia. We were talking to a woman we had known for years. She asked my Mom how her children were she told the woman "I don't have any children" Not sure who she thought I was. I do think she was back before she was married and had her kids. I am sure she thought I was her Mom in the last stages and I don't even look like her.
Dreams and TV start to become part of their reality. They can no longer distinquish between them. They also hallucinate and have night terrors. Mom always saw a little girl. Dr. said that if it diesn't bother her, don't worry about it. Her night terrors were on 1 or 2Xs a week. Not frequent enough for meds.
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I had lots of elderly care clients and hospice ones who would dream of their dead loved ones and even think they saw them. I was with a few of my clients in the minutes before or after their passings could feel the presence of others in the room. No, you can't see or hear anything but you can feel it. So, I'd open a window to let those spirits take the person to God and their reward.
Your father's mother and brother could be stopping by because they love him and when it's his time he will go with them.
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This behavior isn't indicative of dementia in and of itself.
Nor does it have any sort of indications that there are actual visitations of family members who have died. It may indicate a mind more troubled and working things out in dream, or a mind that is more reflective on the past and is working that out.
The dream world is, to me, one of the most fascinating parts of being human.
I will tell you that this more active dream life can result in some physical lashing out and even falling out of bed. It did for my brother.
My husband with Parkinson’s, no dementia talks,
argues in his sleep. Sometimes very loud and in language I don’t understand.
Falling out of bed happened to him as well.
If I recall correctly all this started long before he was diagnosed with PD, perhaps 12-14 years ago.
He is extremely gentle man who does not argue IRL, rather by presenting facts he will discuss something rationally.
I suspect like Alva said it is reflection of troubled mind or unresolved issues.
He also begins to see people by bedside, which troubles me somewhat.
My mom would have dreams and talk in her sleep. She had Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Certain medications can trigger dreams.
My mother started trying to walk out of the front door in the middle of the night and her doctor prescribed Seroquel and Ativan and she slept peacefully.
Some people talk in their sleep on a regular basis. My father did, mom started talking in her sleep. My husband says that I have always talked in my sleep. My youngest daughter talks in her sleep.
I was a sleep walker for years. I don’t think I do it anymore or at least my husband hasn’t mentioned it lately. My parents placed extra locks on the door when I was a kid so I wouldn’t go outside at night.
It's pretty common for people with dementia to have mixed up sleep times and patterns, that's why I'm asking if you are sure he's asleep.
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/alzheimers-disease-dementia-warning-signs-144253.htm?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20240327&mkt_tok=MzA1LVpYWi00NjYAAAGSHyIUm7ngrntcR8YiM6ylNC2OsLBjsEN85TQThsYnk76xoNLgQxC2y4S5cUcMAvT5jFeom_AceHRR67zblFNT7JEAqMzYxEY9lTWuiX1CbTJ3F79-rGA
In Part, it says:
What should I do if I think my parent has dementia?
If you think your parent or another relative has dementia, follow these steps to help improve their health and well-being.
Trust your instincts. If you’re seeing unusual behaviors in your family member, jot down the symptoms, when they present, and how often they occur. Think about changes you’ve noticed over the past few years.Learn the signs of dementia.
Educating yourself about various symptoms will help you know what to look for.
It can also help rule out reversible conditions sometimes mistaken for dementia, such as delirium.Talk to your parent. It’s important to share concerns with them before more symptoms occur. Decide how you’ll begin the conversation.
Recognize that it might not go as planned.
Above all, be respectful and offer your support.Talk to a doctor. Reaching an earlier diagnosis will set your loved one on a path to better care and treatment options. Be honest and upfront with the doctor about the symptoms you’ve noticed.
Gena / Touch Matters
I am caring for my father Robert, who is 90 years old, living at home with age-related decline, alzheimer's / dementia, hearing loss, and incontinence.
Dreams and TV start to become part of their reality. They can no longer distinquish between them. They also hallucinate and have night terrors. Mom always saw a little girl. Dr. said that if it diesn't bother her, don't worry about it. Her night terrors were on 1 or 2Xs a week. Not frequent enough for meds.
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