I just wanted to ask this and also share at the same time as I can’t find anything relevant online. My husband has Alzheimer’s and suffers with paranoia/delusions. He also gets agitated at times. However I’ve noticed when we sit outside his whole mood changes and he’s settled and much calmer and happier. We can go back indoors and his mood/behavior changes almost immediately. Again we can go back outdoors and he’s calm again. I can’t seem to find anything about this other than it’s recommended for dementia patients to have fresh air etc. I just wanted to share this in case others are experiencing something similar.
My husband sadly is not able to discuss anything - in the way your brother could. I just noticed that when I visit (he’s actually now in a care home) he will tell me to be careful for example about the carer - he’ll tell me not to go into a certain room and so on. Of course I always try to reassure him, ask him why he feels scared and try and show him that he has nothing to be worried about - without of course making it sound like I disbelieve him or diminish his feelings.
I have read a lot about hallucinations etc and the home keep lights on, curtains open and so on. I just noticed when we sit outside he’s like a different person. He’s not scared or agitated. He sits quietly and his mood lightens. It’s like he feels ‘safer’ outside - even if the person he ‘fears’ comes outside also. There are times he won’t eat his dinner inside yet if I take it outside he’ll eat it willingly. It’s possible just being outdoors makes him feel less ‘trapped’ - I don’t know. So long as it helps. We’re lucky to live in CA so the climate is pretty good all year round. I just wanted to share this as I know others are dealing with similar issues and hopefully it may help them also.
I wish you all the very best.
The poster who wrote about this was Igloo. Here is a link she posted on telling of how lighting and large furniture cast shadows which bothered her mom who had Lewy Body Dementia.
https://www.agingcare.com/questions/excessive-cellular-death-in-frontal-temporal-lobes-194008.htm?orderby=recent
Some people have more than one type dementia. Try searching on this site for other aspects of your husbands issues. I have found it very helpful.
I guess you and hubby will be spending LOTS of time outside!
so sweet.
it's wonderful to read all the great things people do for their LOs.
:)
Check out this article:
https://happiful.com/dementia-and-the-importance-of-the-outdoors/
Glad you live in a climate where DH can enjoy the outside year round. I wonder if a large nature mural on the wall in his room would help too?
See All Answers