DEMENTIA AND SLEEP

Many older people experience difficulties in sleeping, but this problem seems to be more prevalent in dementia and alzheimers sufferers. Interestingly, many long lived people in good health, state that they sleep well for between seven and eight hours sand have always done so. There are other factors that also seem to be relevant to longevity without dementia or alzheimers. Good health in all aspects seems to be one of these. Also, the ability to deal with stress and 'switch off, 'and having an enjoyable occupation and a good partner.
In my own life I now have all of these,but that wasn't always the case in all these respects and although my late wife Jan was a great partner, there were other aspects of my life such as diet, smoking, drinking and working too hard that were not conducive to good sleep and I suspect that is why I have had difficulties in sleeping for many years and I suspect this is a contributory factor to my own dementia.Perhaps one's life is a bit like a jig saw puzzle and all the bits must fit together properly throughout one's life. Both knowledge and luck play a big part!
Difficulty in sleeping is very common in the elderly and there is a reduction in dreaming, although there doesn't appear to be a link between this and the quality of sleep. Those dementia and alzheimer patients who have difficulty sleeping may call out and disturb their caregiver. They may also wander around and put themselves at risk. Another common problem is that some people reverse their sleep patterns and want to sleep during the day and are awake at night.
Common sleeping problems that disturb sleep are 'restless legs', where the need to move the legs restlessly is constant and of course disturbs sleep.The caregiver will recognize this condition by the twitching of the legs. Another problem can be Sleep Arnea` which is the occasional absence of breathing. Professional medical advice should be sought on both of these problems.
Whatever the age or health of patients a non drug solution to solve sleep deprivation should be tried and applied if possible.
The first thing is to encourage the patient to get a comfortable amount of exercise. Walking is fine, light games even better, swimming ideal if possible. However exercise should not be encouraged within four hours of sleeping.
Patients should not be encouraged to go to bed unless sleep is intended, thus making the association of bed one of sleeping.
The bedroom temperature should be comfortable and a night light provided.
Regular times should be maintained for meals and going to bed.
The diet should exclude alcohol, caffeine, and obviously nicotine.
Encourage the drinking of water during the day, but avoid in the evening before bedtime.
Discuss with the doctor the drugs being taken, as some discourage sleep and so should be taken at other times.
In the mornings encourage the person to enjoy the morning sunlight.
It is well worth while trying to wean the person from sleeping pills if they are currently being taken, but subject to doctor's advice, it may in some be the only way of ensuring sleep.

We have had rain this weekend which has been very welcome and the grass looks greener already.
My book is going well and I am writing steadily every day except on Sundays. Word difficulties occasionally crop up, but I find are soon dealt with by concentration, or the easy route of the Thesaurus!
No further deterioration in either memory or faculties. The animals are all well and either chirping, barking or croaking away quite happily.
Keep taking the tablets.
David Barnato.
Paarl, South Africa.
barnatod@blogspot.com