My mother, who lives with my father and older sister, has had 16 strokes in the past 2 years. 14 of the strokes were TIA, with the last 2 being Ischemic. She is only 64 years old. Her mobility is extremely limited. We are now facing a complete lack of appetite along with Sundowners. The medical professionals she has, have not been helpful in managing symptoms. I have scheduled her with a Neuropsychiatrist to evaluate her emotional state and perhaps start her on an anti-depressant/anti-anxiety medication. She is up all night stating she is not safe and demanding that they hold her. I have ordered her a weighted blanket to help ease some of her anxiety. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I have never had to deal with Sundowner's Syndrome so I don't have any suggestions for you.
I just feel bad for your mom having had 16 strokes in a two year period. I can't even imagine that - having one would be devastating enough.
I'm so glad you have her scheduled to see a Neuropsychiatrist to evaluate her since her regular doctors don't seem to be helping her.
Many good thoughts and suggestions have been given to you from the forum members. I sure hope something will help her as I know how stressful this must be not just for your father and older sister with whom she lives with but, for yourself as well.
You can also click on "care topics" in the upper right hand corner on the AgingCare teal/green bar (which is in alphabetical order) and find information there on Sundowner's Syndrome.
Best wishes to you and your family and I pray she will be helped by the Neuropsychiatrist!
We made sure that nothing was started around the time of the setting sun; we started earlier and carried whatever we were doing through the dinner hour and into the evening, not necessarily creating an overwhelming schedule but making sure that something was always available to do so there wasn't time to become upset and distressed over an issue that didn't exist.
If your mother is awake all night, does she sleep during the day? If so, I would gradually start changing that schedule so that she's awake during the day and can sleep at night.
I think also with so many strokes that just plain anxiety for another stroke, and what might happen then, is a major factor. Strokes can be devastating, and if someone already has dementia, the combination can create a very unsettling scenario and panic mode.
Two other thoughts: the lack of appetite might be caused by meds. Check out the side effects of the ones she's taking and see if appetite loss is a side effect. Or it could be a combination of meds, with one affecting another. But a complete loss of appetite sounds like something serious, such as med side effect or something more seriously amiss in her basic health.
Ambien can cause delusions. If she's taking that, it might account for the evening anxiety.
Good insight about having had so many strokes that she may have anxiety about having another one and like you said, if combined with dementia it most certainly could create a feeling of panic and be very unsettling for her.
My father also has sundowners... I have noticed that sometimes, playing along helps a lot. To them, whatever is happening in their mind is completely real and they can become even more frustrated and nervous if they feel like no one else understands, which can cause more anxiety for them. Unfortunately, it is a cycle... and sometimes it can be really hard, because our reaction can determine, if the episode continues to build.
My dad is on a medication called Sertraline (Zoloft.)
This medication has helped him tremendously …
We also have started, getting him out of his recliner and in the bed earlier in the evening, which tends to help. A nap during the day helps as well. The doctor told us, my dad needed to be on a set schedule for rest. Changing up the schedule in any way, can cause stress on them, resulting in episodes of anxiety, which causes you stress.
I am definitely not an expert, this is just what I do to help my Daddy. It seems to keep him comfortable and the episodes with sundowners isn't too bad now that we have a routine and medication.
If you need anyone to talk to, I am here.
Praying for you! :)
You take such good care of your father!
I really liked your idea of playing along so they feel like someone understands, lessening the anxiety. I'm glad the Sertraline/Zoloft has helped your dad tremendously. I know both my husband and I have tried it but, we both stopped taking it for different reasons.
And actually, it's recommended that all of us have set sleeping habits regardless of age or whether or not we are even having health issues.
LED's are great they give a nice bright light.
Close blinds and curtains as it gets darker so you do not not get the "mirror effect" when looking at a window.
Keep the same schedule as best you can getting her up at the same time, bed at the same time.
There are herbal teas that might help calm her those might help until she sees a doctor. And if you try one inform the doctor as some herbals can interact with medications just like anything else.
Antianxiety medications might help. It might also take time to find the right med and the right dose so be patient.
*side note on the weighted blanket. I tried one myself and it was terrible, it was so heavy I could not move in bed.