My father in law has moderate dementia. Occasionally, he will try to do something and it is like his brain freezes. For example, he was trying to get a drink. He will lift the glass halfway to his lips and then suddenly stop. You can tell he is struggling with trying to raise the glass. He purses his lips like he is waiting for the glass to rise to his lips. He will stay in this position for a minute or two. Then all of a sudden, it is like it didn't happen, he will continue to raise the glass, take a drink and set it back down. I have noticed this when he is reaching for something, eating, etc. It is like his brain stops communicating with his muscles and he just is frozen there until the command can continue. Anyone know what this is called, or what is causing it? I have asked his doctor and I don't think I am explaining it correctly, because they don't have an answer for me on what to do or what it could be. Or maybe there is nothing we can do and that is why they are not addressing it. Thanks for the help once again!
Pam's suggestions of absense seizures is a good one and without any tests this can safely be treated with anti seizure medications which will be inexpensive and not harmful. may make him sleepy. DO NOT LET HIM DRIVE.
A visit to a good neurologist is a good start and after that you can decide what if any further investigations would be helpful for FIL. You did not mentions tremors so parkinsons is unlikely so weigh the beneftits of extensive testing with possible treatments and go from there
The automatic, everyday tasks we do, like drinking, walking, reading, everything… when you break them down into their component parts, they're actually quite complicated. When you pick up a glass of water and take a sip, you have to co-ordinate a complex set of physical and mental actions. Some of them are reflex, some of them are learned; but if any one of them is affected by brain problems the whole project can go awry. I'm not confident that this is a helpful way to look at it - I must admit I find it a bit alarming, sometimes - but on the other hand, as you say, it's best to know where you are.
What to do about it? While you're waiting for further medical opinions and possible alleviating medications, this is what I do when my mother gets stuck (stuck is a good word for it!): stand by and only intervene in a way that gives her a little extra time to recall what she needs to do. So with his glass, for example, if he looks as if he might drop it, just minimally hold it steady for him but don't take it away or do any more to help him to drink. The aim is just to buy them a little extra time, or provide the minimum prompt to let them complete a task by themselves. You're kind of bridging the neural gaps, so to speak.
I really need to say this: My participation and posts are for informational purposes only. I assume no responsibility for accuracy.
Now I feel better {grin}