Follow
Share

My 90 year old mother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.


My current concern is HOW MUCH she's been sleeping. She's sleeping more than she's awake! MOST of the time she'll sleep anywhere from 18-20 hours a day!


What is this a sign of. Should I start preparing myself for her death? PLEASE, can anyone tell me how I should deal with this?


Thank you, in advance, for ANY answer someone might have!

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
I have posted about my Dad's sleep habits many times. Dad is 91 now, he had a massive stroke 5 years ago.

Dad easily sleeps 18 hours day. He sleeps for 12 hours a night and then has multiple naps each day. If he has an appointment or activity one day it takes him two days to recover his energy. Dad has had this sleep pattern for years.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report

The end stages of Alzheimer's include lots and lots of sleeping. This link will help you to understand the stages of the disease and what you might expect in each:

https://www.alzheimers.net/stages-of-alzheimers-disease/

The later stages of Alzheimer's normally tend to bring a lot of anxiety and confusion, not to mention agitation and other unpleasant behaviors for all concerned. If your mother is sleeping a lot, then she's peaceful, which is a huge blessing. Please interpret it as a blessing and allow your mother to get the rest she needs and wants.

You may want to get your mother a hospice evaluation, depending on where you think she's at in the process of the disease. Her doctor can order an evaluation if s/he is on the same page with you. Alzheimer's is considered a terminal illness and qualifies for in home hospice care under Medicare guidelines.

Wishing you all the best.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
lotsokittycats May 2020
Thank you for your reply, AND in addition to the sleeping, today has been THE WORST DAY EVER!!!

She blew a fuse when the home health aid came to give her a shower, then refused to take her pills, going so far as to taking one tiny pill from her mouth and throwing it across the room! THEN, to top it all off, she became combative and actually HIT ME!!!

She really tested my patience to my absolute END!!! BUT, in the end, I actually ended up in her bed and just holding/hugging her for the longest time!

VERY confusing and terribly exhausting!!!
(0)
Report
At her age and in her condition there’s no such thing as too much sleep.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Your mother is on hospice. Did they give the booklet “gone before my sight”? You should read it. And hospice can tell you if they are seeing end of life signs. Please don’t hesitate to call them.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter