Hello
We have some weeks that are okay and then others where my gran is really confused, upset, won’t eat much and sleeps around 18 plus hours a day.
During a good week she sleeps 16 hours, is neither happy or upset, will eat a small portion without any hassle, and is less confused.
Any ideas why this happens in cycles?
She doesn’t poop very often ( once a week) Dr is not concerned and doesn’t think this is the problem.
He says it’s the disease.
As dementia progresses, there is increased damage to the brain and, as the person's confusion increases, she may start to ignore (or be less aware of) the sensation of stool in the rectum, leading to constipation.
Even if you manage to get her regular, dementia behaviors are still not reliable and always subject to change all the time.
Good luck!
I would be more concerned about her not pooping regularly as that is not healthy or good for anyone. You may want to make sure she has more fiber in her diet, along with some prune juice, and stool softeners. You can also give her an enema too if necessary.
I don't know of any doctor who thinks that pooping just once a week is normal and not a problem. She may need a new doctor.
My husband had vascular dementia and pooped every day until he got closer to the end of his life and then I had to take more extreme measures to make him go, so her doctor shouldn't be blaming it on grans dementia. There is something more going on with her, and that needs to be addressed.
Do you do anything for the constipation? Probiotics? Psyllium husk? More water? Not easy, of course, when she has bad days or weeks but something might help her to be more regular. I never knew it could be related to confusion level.
Just an FYI.
I recommend a magnesium supplement to help with overall health and regularity. Of course, an apple a day is really important, as well.