Why do Alzheimer's patients sleep so much? My grandfather sleeps almost all day and all night.

my husband is 62 and has semantic dementia, he sleeps ALOT. I think it is a combonation of the disease and the meds & just plain old depression due to the fact that he is no longer active, can't focus on the tv or any sort of activity.

My father 80 has first stage dementia progressing to Alzheimer and I agree my father sleeps without function. He does well if I send him places with things to do and though he takes longer to get places he's at least not sleeping. Our dr has him going places at least three times a week.

My mother is 90 years old and has dementia Alzheimer type late onset. she sleeps all day and all night, only has 3-4 waking hours each day. Also her sleep is very deep sleep, you cannot wake her up even by yelling and shaking her, seems her spirit left her body. She usually sleeps ~4 hours without waking up after a meal, sometimes could be up to 7 hours during day time. For night sleep is about 12- 15 hours. I believe she needs rest for restore her energy, her old body is just like an old machine and unable to run fast and efficient anymore. My mother is not taking any medication, not even one pill.

could it be a side effect of medication?

I think it just comes w/age, you think? Mom & I went to a ladies Bible Study this morning that we go to every Thursday; She loves it & she loves the ladies house where we go ;). Anyway, she slept 11 hours Wed. nite & when we got in the car, she told me she just felt tired & sleepy. I said, really? I'm afraid it's just up & coming. But it really bothers me. Somehow I feel like I am neglecting her. I serve her but too am busy with my own things also.

my father is 85 with Dementia... he takes naps on and off all day long.... He just seems tired all the time

I don't know the answer to your question but have been wondering the same thing about my Mother. She is 96 & would be happy if I would let her sleep thru most every day. I've been wondering the same thing. She does not have alzheimer's disease, but does live in the moment pretty much w/dementia. Why does she want to sleep so much? Is it healthy for her to sleep so very much?