My mother lives in a lovely senior apt complex, has plenty of activites, has an incredible woman that comes and checks on her 10 times a day (home health - in house) and has me and my granddaughter come to visit either every other or ever day. She has dementia, which is getting worse day by day. She really can't carry on a conversation, unless it is saying something ugly about someone. She is suddenly lonesome and makes sure everyone knows it. She tells her caregiver know constantly, making her feel guilty. Mom was never outgoing and most of her life sat in her chair, reading and watching tv. She wasn't demonstrative or one to cry. Now she cries all the time. NOthing helps. She was on effexor for anxiety, but that didn't do a thing. I know her well, and she is incredibly manipulative. So maybe part of this behavior is just how she is, but she can't put on the tears. Any suggestions to help? Any ideas why she may be doing this?
My idea is that she can't help it. Her dementia is getting worse. This is part of the results of that. Something is going on in her brain. Our brain control all of our functions. Which things get affected and how depends on where and what kinds of problems are in her brain.
Gladimhere gave one example of loneliness and missing people by a dementia patient. This is not uncommon.
What can you do about it? Report these changes to her doctor. If the meds she is on now aren't helping maybe a change in dose or in the meds selected would help. It can be hard to come up with an effective drug regimen but it pays off if you can get the right combination.
Talk to the caregiver. Be supportive. Tell her you do not blame her (him?) for your mother's loneliness. If this person is going to care for clients with dementia she has to learn not to take their behavior personally. It is not your fault or the caregiver's fault or Mom's fault that Mon has dementia. There is no need for anyone to feel guilty.
Do your best to comfort your mom. She is losing her ability to reason, so a logical explanation isn't go to help. "I'm here now, Mom. What should we do to enjoy each other's company? Would you like to take a walk in this nice weather?"
Does this appartment complex have additional levels of care? As your mother's dementia worsens she may need than being looked in on ...
I do similar when she starts looking for her little girls, tell her they are at friend's and will be home later.
And if you mom is fairly early in the disease she may realize something is not right in her head. Imagine how frightening and depressing that would be!