My 96 year old dad has been exhibiting behavioural changes for a while. I am guessing it is dementia. He has had some TIA's in the past -- doctors described these as blockages in blood flow in the brain due to brain shrinkage. For a month now, around 4 p.m. after his day caregiver leaves he has been articulating that he feels cold and that it always comes on at the same time. Within an hour it passes. Last week, we had a similar episode and then he went to say something to me and he couldn't get his thought out ( he is still quite sharp and witty and clear when speaking) Shortly after that his behaviour changed when I corrected him on something. He became very angry. The following day, he was lethargic and very confused. He started propositioning me. This was shocking and a first. I think he had another TIA the night before, my brother thinks its the dementia advancing? Nonetheless, now every afternoon at 4 pm or later he has these brief moments where he may be confusing me with my deceased mom. ( In the past he was getting a little handsy with his night care givers but never with me). He also calls his day caregiver his woman and often talks to her about wanting a young girlfriend. He at times must think he is still young. However it is upsetting that he now has been making passes at me and I get that it can happen in dementia. I figure this is sundowning and I am visiting with the doctor tomorrow. What can be given if anything? My naturopath recommended CBG oil not CBD? I looked at how to reduce sundowning symptoms and we have been doing all the environmental stuff all along... he has a consistent routine, he walks twice a day, all stimulating activities are done before 1 pm. Its so sunny and bright out now and he gets lots of sun. He naps for short spurts in the day. The house isn't noisy, I try and distract with snacks and favourite activities ( scratch tickets and he is winning enough for me to keep buying more LOL) We do have different caregivers at night for less than 30 minutes to do night care and this has been in place for 7 months. ( I have no control on the inconsistency as these are publicly funded personal support workers . I have a private caregiver in the day. Bottomline is that I want to keep my dad home as long as I can but I want to feel safe and I don't want him agitated. Right now these episodes don't last long and I leave the room as soon as they happen and give him time alone. During the other parts of his day he is cognizent and clear. It's sad as he is realizing he is having bouts of confusion. So any advice you can give would be wonderful! BTW, I am the only one living with him here and I don't have anyone else who can step in to distract.
Thank you in advance
Fran
The late afternoon is when the brain fatigues. (Especially in stroke survivors. Whether TIA is termed stroke or not seems to vary). Stroke causes brain changes. Not always that one-sided weakness, sometimes to the language part of the brain, sometimes to the frontal lobes effecting personality & inhibition ie filter & previous manners can disappear.
Aim to keep Dad safe. Sitting in his comfy chair, maybe some music he likes? Or snacks? Keep an eye but keep out of arm's length if this is when he is inappropriate (either grabby or verbal).
Definately speak up to his Doctor to see if anything medication wise may help.
Have you thought about extending the stimulation to later in the day? Maybe wear him out more.
Best of luck, this is such a difficult situation.