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JosephineA Asked May 27, 2024

My mom keeps waking up at 3 am and saying she's in a box.

My mom keeps waking up at 3 AM and saying that she’s in a box she saying she needs to get out of the box I don’t understand why she feels that way. I’m very worried and concerned for her well-being. I’ve spoke with her doctors about her medicines that she takes, and if any of them can cause hallucinations, because sometimes she talks to people that are not there or she thinks that a cat is scratching her leg when there’s nothing on her leg, very worried about her this morning. I woke up to the front door open and her screaming help. She’s only 64 years old and I feel like that’s very young. I feel like she has a whole lot more life to live and I pray every day that she gets better , spells of her forgetfulness has put a deep concern on my heart. I’m worried for her. I need advice. Last time we went to the hospital, they said that she did not have a UTI, which usually came cause a flareup in forgetfulness or sleepwalking, which are supposedly signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia. I just want her happy and back to the way she used to be she’s been very aggressive With not only me but other family members including the children and her own pet. I wish there was someway to reverse this situation so she was back to her old happy self. I need some advice.

funkygrandma59 May 27, 2024
Wow! According to your profile your young mom sure has A LOT of health issues that are not normal for someone so young. You list not only dementia, but age related decline, incontinence, heart disease, vision issues and much more.
How does someone so young(I too am a young 64 with none of those issues)end up with all those health issues unless they took absolutely no care of themselves all their life?
Now I certainly understand if your mom has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's for some of the issues, but has she actually been diagnoses with that?
If not I would get her scheduled with a good neurologist to have her tested, so you can get a better and more clear picture as to what exactly is going on with her, as something just isn't adding up here.
Perhaps she's on too many medications that aren't playing well with one another. I would have a consult with her doctor/pharmacist to make sure that isn't the case.
Again 64 is so young to have all those issues and to be on a lot of medications(I being 64 only take a Claritin every day for my allergies). I do hope and pray that you can get things figured out soon, because if your mom in fact has early onset Alzheimer's that can go on for 20+ years, so you'll have to get your/her ducks in a row.

Geaton777 May 27, 2024
Yes to everything Grandma1954 wrote to you.

Is your Mom on any meds for her depression, anxiety, aggression? If not, why not? Dementia robs people of their ability to bring their minds and emotions to a place of calm, so medication usually is needed. This is merciful for her, and to your family. If your Mom has a regular primary provider you can request a video appointment to discuss the meds. If she's not cooperative you can video her behavior, or just keep calling 911 and taking her to the ER when she has hallucinations. From that point her primary should have enough evidence to prescribe something.

Also, does your Mom have her legal ducks in a row? PoA? If so and you are her designated PoA please read the document to make sure you've met the criteria for being active (usually requires a medical diagnosis by her doctor on their clinic letterhead). Then take that paperwork the all her clinics and financial institutions so that you can manage her affairs.

If she has not assigned a PoA, then you have a lot less power to protect her and manage her affairs. I recommend a consultation with an elder law attorney to see what the options are.

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KNance72 May 27, 2024
What is the diagnosis and medication ? The medicine is Not helping . You Need a Diagnosis from her primary Care doctor, geriatric Psychiatrist or a Neurologist . In My Life time I have had some serious Illnesses and survived But In order to survive I had to do a Lot of research on what would heal me . Some People swear by Lions Mane Mushrooms for dementia - Go on Instagram and there will be Lions Mane Mushroom Gummies . ( Lions Mane Looks Like the brain and can be grown easily ) I find the tinctures to be Bitter . I am Doing More research On Mushrooms . Do you have a acupuncture clinic Near you or a Acupuncturist ? I swear acupuncture has saved My Life on Many Occasions . Something else called shiatsu Massage is good for the Body any type of massage . If you Live near a Chinatown they can do this Massage with the acupressure Points . Do You Have the Ocean Nearby where she can go for a swim and get her head underwater - The ocean Can Bring Minerals to the brain. Her Brain will absorb the Minerals . I Try and swim as Much as Possible In the ocean and get My Head underwater . Exercise and Nutrition Is very Important . Think of Foods That are brain foods : Fish , walnuts , avocados, sea weed ( Sushi ) Blue Berries , watercress - anything with a Lot of B Vitamins . See If you can find a Holistic clinic with a Ionizer foot bath or order one On Amazon - these foot Baths help stimulate the Lymph Glands and release the toxins thru the feet . Personally I do Not Like Pharmacueticals or vaccines hat Have heavy metals such as Mercury . Get her off the medication if it is Not working . I had to come off Xanax Once and for a year all I had was a heavy metal taste in my Mouth . You Can also check In with a homeopath - there are truly some wonderful remedies such as Aurum Metallicum ( GOLD 1 Mg ) is great for depression and Psychotic episodes . At this Point there is Not a cure for Alzheimers or Dementia . Make sure she has fresh water and not from the tap . Chamomile Is a calming tea . There is a great Calming tea by Clever Blends That Has Passion flower , L Theanine , Hops made in Santa Barbara . She could take that before bed . Also CBD Oil - the One from Happy hemp Buddha is Mild - take after dinner . ( I find CBD to be really strong ) I use their Lavender cream with CBD That is awesome . My advice and rule of thumb when Western doesnt work go Eastern . Find a Good acupuncturist - A Lot of acupuncture clinics will have sliding scale acupuncture clinics . Lavender oil is also calming and you can Have a sachet On her bedside or get fresh Lavender In her Room. She Needs to get grounded and her Head cleared - get that Body moving and some good Nutrition . Have her take up gardening . Good Luck there are a lot of Nice woman here for support . I Have joined some research groups on Psilocybin mushrooms - I think they Can rewire the brain But Only after the Body has released all the toxins and heavy Metals . Yes your Mother is young she Is My age .

Grandma1954 May 27, 2024
You say in your profile that mom has Alzheimer's/dementia.
You have to know that mom will not get better no matter how much you pray. You can not reverse the situation so she gets back to her old happy self.
This, the world of dementia is your and her new reality.
This is what you have to adjust to.
You can still enjoy times with her and make memories for you.
You need to tell her that she is safe.
You need to tell her that you are there for her.

64 is young. That is the age my Husband was when he was diagnosed. He survived for about 12 years after the diagnosis. (I do not want to say he lived because that was not they way he wanted to live)

You need to learn what you can.
You need to know you can not care for her yourself. You will need to get help.
Get mom in an Adult Day Program if there is one in your area. It will give her a break, give you a break and you both need that.
Look for programs that will help.
If mom is a Veteran (thank her for her Service) the VA may have programs that may help.

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