The Demented Patient: Waking and Wandering

A “no-fail” environment for demented people in their wakings and wanderings. This is Dr. Steven Andrew Davis, Speaking of Health. Many people are lucky to grow older and still have a clear mind; to think and remember without signs of dementia. But about one of ten Americans over the age of 65 has some type of dementing illness. A lot of them have Alzheimer’s disease; some have other causes for their dementia. And the dementia can be associated with important behavioral problems. Two, in particular, are sleep disturbances and wandering around.

Half or more of those with a dementing illness have sleep problems, especially waking up frequently during the night. When demented people wake frequently, they can be confused or disoriented, combative, or agitated. These people need safe sleeping environments, free from sharp objects, gently night-lit to help them be oriented when they awake. Sometimes, pain killers for arthritis or psychiatric medicines can help them get a good’s night sleep.

As many as two-thirds of demented patients wander around. They can walk away from home, get lost, and easily hurt themselves. Their environment needs structure so they can’t wander off. Some families use stop signs or home made alarm systems to alert the demented patient or the family that “a wandering” is happening.

Dealing with adult dementia: while waiting for high tech medicine to solve the problem, watchful eyes and safe environments are the key. For a copy of this script, access our web site, speakingofhealth.com. Speaking of Health, I’m Dr. Steven Andrew Davis for CBS News.