Hi, sorry to bother people again but for the past few weeks I've noticed an unsettling pattern of behavior with my Nan who has vascular dementia. A few days out of the week she will believe she has some imagine ailment and focus on it constantly all day and into the early hours of the morning. Then whatever the complaint is disappears rarely to be mentioned again for a day or two then she starts up again with something new. Each time she becomes more and more agitated and emotional. It's like she's sun downing the entire 24 hours. Since this goes on all day and night both of us aren't getting a lot of sleep. I phoned her GP and explained the situation and he prescribed her Lorazepam.
I gave it to her for the first time last night and she slept right through. I wish I could say the same as I think my body was still used to being woken up every few minutes, I was also checking on her periodically to see she was sleeping and breathing ok. The morning after she was awake but 'distant' like she was still half asleep even when I was washing her which is usually when her cognitive abilities are at her best. I imagine this was still the effects of the Lorazepam and while it was slightly unsettling to see her this way it did mean I could get housework done without constant interruptions until the afternoon when she was more herself but also started being really agitated again.
I've read all I can on Lorazepam and know it can be addictive and regular doses shouldn't be taken for more than four weeks. I'd like to keep it for when she really needs it but I fear she's going to need it most days. I'm not sure this is going to be a long term solution. I don't really see a solution. Does anyone have any advice they can offer. It would be much appreciated.
I gave it to her for the first time last night and she slept right through. I wish I could say the same as I think my body was still used to being woken up every few minutes, I was also checking on her periodically to see she was sleeping and breathing ok. The morning after she was awake but 'distant' like she was still half asleep even when I was washing her which is usually when her cognitive abilities are at her best. I imagine this was still the effects of the Lorazepam and while it was slightly unsettling to see her this way it did mean I could get housework done without constant interruptions until the afternoon when she was more herself but also started being really agitated again.
I've read all I can on Lorazepam and know it can be addictive and regular doses shouldn't be taken for more than four weeks. I'd like to keep it for when she really needs it but I fear she's going to need it most days. I'm not sure this is going to be a long term solution. I don't really see a solution. Does anyone have any advice they can offer. It would be much appreciated.
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