Spouse with hallucinations. Anyone else had such an issue?
My husband has Parkinson’s with Lewy Body. The Dr says he is “end stage.” Lately, he has been having hallucinations, imagines he is going somewhere or that someone is coming over, he thinks we have had conversations that we have not had, and he often says things that make no sense at all. He uses incorrect words or names. When I am confused by what he says, he gets angry with me, even accuses me of trying to make him crazy so I can “put him away.” Lately, he has made comments that make me uneasy. He has been talking about dying, which is not new. But he has talked about the dog dying; that he dreams of killing the dog. This dog is a service animal as well as a beloved pet. I told the LPN about his comments. She said she has not had a patient do that before. She had no advice except that I not leave him alone with the dog. Anyone else had such an issue?
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My husband has Stage 4 Parkinson's and last week on Monday and Tuesday dealt with Hallucinations where my husband was yelling and screaming that there were people trying to attack him and he had to get to the staircase to get away from them.
The next day called his Neurologist and told him what happened and his Dr put him on QUETIAPINE and it seems to help.
Last month at 2 am and another night at 11:30 had another episode of yelling and screaming and very agitated so when l talked to his Neurologist he said that what he was experiencing what something called SUNDOWNERS because these episodes happens late at night also Psychosis
Meanwhile, make your home as safe as possible - no weapons, keep items that could be used as weapons (ropes/cords, knives, heavy items...) secured. If you feel the pet is going to be injured, get the animal to a safe place with a family member or friend until your loved one's mentation improves. If you feel threatened, call 911.
So please do make sure he is not alone with the dog, and do start thinking about a facility, it's time to start looking ahead because this is not going to get better.
We are here to help support you though this very difficult time. Best of luck, to you
what is PD-5 programme? My husband is reaching advanced stage of Parkinson.
Yes, I had a brother with Lewy's.
Yes, the hallucinations are horrifically REAL at the time they are being suffered. That is to say the sufferer can give a very detailed description of what they are seeing.
You say your husband becomes upset when you are "confused by his hallucinations". Does that mean you are arguing with him about them, correcting him about them? Because with your long history with him you certainly do know better than to do such a thing?
Now we are down to what to do about hubby and the dog.
To be honest, this isn't about the dog at all.
This is about your hubby and his end stage Lewy's.
You are in charge now of one of the toughest decisions of your life. You husband, imho should be placed now, for his own safety and for the safety of ALL OTHERS including the dog, you and the LPN.
I am so very sorry. This is terribly sad. My brother died of sepsis before his Lewy's could progress further than a few short lived hallucinations and full blown dementia. I will be forever grateful for that, as he was.
If DH is at the end of his life and you are getting "burned out, angry, depressed, short tempered", and now with talk of killing the dog, have you considered placement for him? For your sake as well as the dogs. He can easily turn against you if his brain damage sends him the wrong message. I'd take this situation seriously if I were you.
Best of luck to you.
"I am caring for my husband, who is 77 years old, living at home with age-related decline, alzheimer's / dementia, anxiety, depression, incontinence, and mobility problems.
...Six grown children, seven grandchildren, one great grandchild. None live close. None visit due to fights with my husband. Husband fell, had brain bleed, 12 weeks in hospital and rehab. Developed MRSA, had surgery, developed C-Dif. On IV antibiotics. Came home with pic line and continued IVs that I administered. Developed Lewy Body dementia. I asked for help but system determined Medicare would not pay for home health care beyond monthly home visits and medication management. He was released in wheelchair. Thru self care and exercise, he is now able to walk, though very shaky and weak. Intermittent bouts of dementia and depression. I am getting burned out, angry, depressed, short tempered. "
Since your husband is at home, and based on your profile info he seems to still have some mobility, if he ever owned guns or hunting rifles I would discretely remove those completely. When my SFIL was doing the same thing (threatening to shoot us, his family) we did this, but also was told by social services that the police (and social services) would not enter the house if they were unsure firearms were present.
If he is not on medications for his depression, anxiety, hallucinations, why not? If he is, then I'd ask his doctor about adjusting his meds. He needs help regulating his emotions and it's merciful to do it by any means, including medication.