Prior to my 91 year old mother's stoke, she was independent and fully functioning on her own. Since the stroke she is no longer able to be by herself and has around the clock caregivers. Her mood is so sad, she doesn't hold a conversation anymore, doesn't seem to be interested in anything.
Has anyone else experienced this in their loved one? If so, were they treated with medication to help with mood? I'm just finding it hard to see her look so down all the time.
She may look at something that I point out to her, but only for a couple of seconds. The brain does not allow the same kind of focus and appreciation that she had before. I have learned to keep my expectations to a certain level.
I think that we see the situation through out eyes and not through the patient's eyes. I may think that she would enjoy color books, talking toys, colorful magazines, but that's my taste. I have to accept that she doesn't get enjoyment from those things anymore. The brain does not allow her to. So, I try to provide as much comfort and care based on what she does enjoy. With her, it's food. She loves chips, cookies and Dr. Pepper. I treat her whenever I visit. She smiles and talks about how much she enjoys the treats. (She used to enjoy holding her doll, but she's stopped doing that now.)
If you experiment, you might find something that she might still have interest in, but some patients no longer have the ability to enjoy pictures, tv., etc. Sometimes, gently applying lotion or playing soothing music may all you can do.
She still gets depressed and cries at times, but most of the time she seems fairly balanced.
It's so difficult to see the slow progression of stroke related dementia in a very independent and modern woman who will soon be 88.