Category Archives: Dementia

Oversleeping is quite common for individuals suffering from dementia. This is a direct result of brain damage that occurs during the late stages of this disease.

Why Do People With Dementia Sleep So Much?

Oversleeping is a quite common symptom found in the later stages of dementia. Healthy sleeping patterns are important for everyone, so try to keep track of how often your loved one may be sleeping.

As dementia progresses, brain damage can become excessive and undoubtedly take a toll on one’s health. Individuals with dementia will feel weak and frail as time goes on. Executive function will change in the frontal lobe of the brain. The result may appear to be a lack of motivation or overall sluggishness. Easy tasks, such as talking or standing up, can feel exhausting for someone with dementia.

Individuals with dementia may also experience some dramatic changes in their sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm. This will ultimately work against sleep quality. Your brain’s internal clock will always notify you when to be alert and when to sleep. Individuals with dementia often have impaired brain cells when it comes to sleep cycles. This may result in sleeping excessively during day hours but less at night.

What Are The Stages Of Dementia?

Dementia is broken down into seven stages, including the following symptoms:

Stage 1 Symptoms:

• There will be no noticeable symptoms during the earliest stage of dementia.

Stage 2 Symptoms:

• Some difficulty finding the right words.
• Normal functioning.
• Ability to overcome memory issues.

Stage 3 Symptoms:

• Forgetfulness.
• Difficulty paying attention.
• Trouble finding words and/or names.
• Money management issues.
• Problems at the workplace.

Stage 4 Symptoms:

• Making mistakes while driving.
• Problem solving issues.
• Problems with routine tasks.
• More money management problems.
• Forgetting familiar names/items.
• Forgetting where things have been placed.

Stage 5 Symptoms:

• Mood swings.
• Personality changes.
• Gaps in memory.
• Assistance needed when eating and using the bathroom.
• Bladder problems.

Stage 6 Symptoms:

• Changing eating habits.
• Getting lost and confused.
• Delusions.
• Lack of awareness.
• Bladder problems increasing.
• Strong personality changes and mood swings.
• Trouble speaking.

Stage 7 Symptoms:

• No ability to eat, swallow or speak.
• Loss of muscle control.
• Constantly disoriented.
• Loss of bowel and bladder control.
• Cannot use bathroom without assistance.

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Which one of the senses is most impacted by Alzheimer’s disease? Generally, smell is the first sense affected by the disease, but every sense can become impaired.

Smell

Smell is typically the first sense to be impacted by Alzheimer’s. Individuals will become confused as to what exactly they are smelling. This can become dangerous at home if something is burning in the oven or on the stove.

Some common sense measures that can keep your loved one safe include:

• Keep all cleaning supplies locked away in a cabinet.
• Make weekly refrigerator/freezer checks to ensure all food is up to date.
• Ensure smoke detectors are always working properly.

Sight

While the eyes may not show any physical abnormalities, the brain’s ability to interpret some images could become impaired. This could create confusion and anxiety all while not being able to recognize familiar people, places, and objects. Colors and shapes may also be difficult to process, making sudden movements quite dangerous.

Making bold color contrasts in common areas can make a difference for anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s. Placing picture signs on doors and cabinets can help to identify needed items.

Taste

Whenever our ability to smell is impaired, the ability to taste is also impacted. Most dangers and cautions related to smell also apply to this sense.

Touch

Touch is also affected by Alzheimer’s. Individuals may have difficulty feeling the sensations of hot and cold.

Since this is potentially dangerous, it’s suggested to put these safeguards in place:

• Install anti-scold devices on your plumbing.
• Install safety devices to make stovetops and ovens unusable.
• Keep individuals warm in the winter and well hydrated on hotter days.
• Color code for any areas that are hot/cold, if possible.
• Place a warning sticker on oven.

Hearing

Alzheimer’s can impact hearing even in individuals who test well when it comes to hearing. The disease causes difficulty processing certain words and sounds. This can make noises very confusing overall.

Try as hard as possible to maintain a calm and quiet environment with few distractions or background noises. Always speak to the individual slowly and use short statements.

Memory Care At Ventana Winds In Youngtown, Arizona

We invite you and your loved one to come and tour our memory care facility in Youngtown, Arizona and find out why our residents love to live in our compassionate and welcoming community. Take a look at our memory care page to see pictures, find out more about the facility, amenities, what is included in rent, and more. Call us at 623-323-1796 for more information or to schedule a tour of our facility.