My 92 year old father is getting more confused. It tends to be worse in the evening. I know about sundowners but I thought that was more with moderate and advanced dementia. He recently passed the MMSE test when I had the doctor check him for dementia symptoms, so I am wondering if his confusion could be depression related. I’ve never really seen anything that compares specific confusion-related depression symptoms with dementia symptoms. Dad's biggest issues are short term memory loss and that he doesn’t think he is home. For example, he asks when we are going home. I think this is a pretty typical dementia symptom but is it also a symptom of depression? I also talked to his doctor and we took him off his pravastatin, which I’ve heard might cause confusion too. I think I heard that it may take up to three weeks for cognition to improve if it is statin related. Anyone that can share experience or knowledge about this is much appreciated.
Both my parents have memory issues and both are in their 80's. My Dad is very well aware that he does not remember things, especially appointnents or even coming to my house for dinner, he needs to write it down in his pocket calendar.
My Mom however, has different memory issues. Can't get her to the doctor, although the one time we did the neorologist thought dementia. She does not believe she has any problems, and always, in her mind, has a reason for why something happened. I'm often the one she blames when she can't find something, I've stolen it.
Does your Dad have a favorite blanket? Or a clock? Something that really means home to him? Thinking if its like an afgan then maybe put it on his favorite chair that he sits in or something.
We really need to keep advocating for our parents, or elderly family. We know them at their best and at their worst keep it up.
Just thinking to, is he drinking enough fluids? Dehydration can be a corncern.
Hope this helps and keep up the good work.
The doctor told the family that their mother had developed severe dementia.
My sister convinced the family to try taking her off of the statin, and within about 2 -3 weeks she was her normal self again.
My father was 91 when he was hospitalized with a broken hip. After surgery and general anesthesia, then I saw Sundowning and mass confusion, out of nowhere. It lasted about a week and then cleared up.
If you think your dad is reacting to being taken off of a statin, wait 3 weeks and see if he improves. If not, you'll know it's not the meds.
You say dad "passed" the MMSE.....what score did he get out of 30? Mom got a 19 on her first go around and was dxed at that time, with that score, with progressive dementia. The drawing of the clock was key; she was unable to do it which indicates an executive brain function impairment.
Like Alva said, if you see no improvement in dad here soon, get him to the doctor for better testing.
Good luck!
Meanwhile, you can do something about Sundowner's Syndrome. Keep your father on a consistent schedule. Turn on more lights in the afternoon/evenings (shadows tend to be confusing). Have your father's vision checked in case he needs an eyeglass prescription. Make sure he gets enough sleep at night (7-9 hours is about right). Try to make sure your father is getting enough tine interacting with other people since loneliness/social isolation can sometimes be confused with depression.
Hope this helps.
also be very watchful about meds as he may not be able to tell you if he feels he is having a problem.
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