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I would Google PDA , it's an issue with some dementia patients that either can't stop laughing or crying.

We could use more info, age other health concerns? Tells us a bit more to answer better, she live with you?

Best of luck
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Reply to Anxietynacy
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Grandma1954 Jul 16, 2024
This would be PBA
Pseudobulbar Affect
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My Mom is 95 and lives semi-independently next door to me. One morning when I went over there to help put her hearing aids in, she was sitting in the recliner, crying. If you knew my Mom, you'd know I could count on 1 hand all the times I ever saw her cry. But in the past 1.5 yrs she has been experiencing cognitive decline, short-term memory loss, paranoia and now depression. She's a retired RN who barely took meds in her life but she asked for something for her depression. She had no idea why she was crying but knew it wasn't normal and she didn't like it. Her doc prescribed the lowest dose of Lexapro and it has helped her a lot.

People with dementia often get depressed. The lose their abilities of reason and logic, therefore cannot mentally get themselves to a mental or emotional place of contentedness or peace. What's to love about all that loss and decline? Your Mom needs meds. It's merciful. Talk to her doctor.
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Reply to Geaton777
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The simplest answer would be because your moms brain is now permanently broken and she cannot help it.
You could try talking to her doctor about putting her on some kind of antidepressant and see if that may help.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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How are you sure Mom cries all day, every day?

Ask her doctor about getting some anti-anxiety meds to calm her down. Or possibly treat her for depression?
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People with dementia eventually experience the world as a place that doesn't make sense. Many find this frightening. Some sufferers see others as a threat and will lash out before their "foes" hurt them. Others cower in fear - too afraid to move and draw attention to themselves or stay in bed crying. In any case, fear is the culprit that is stealing their peace. Talk with the doctor about medications to help them relax and not feel so frightened.
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Another thing to check is whether or not she is in pain. Something may be hurting, but she cannot tell you what it is. Sprain? UTI? Bad headache? See if you can figure out if anything is physically wrong.
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Reply to mom2mepil
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She could be scared and confused or in pain. She should have a thorough doctors appointment to rule out anything physical going on. Once pain has been ruled out, you can assume it is the dementia and they can adjust her meds to help with her emotional dilema.
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I totally agree with Geaton777. My mom cried a lot also. Once the Lexapro took affect, she's a WHOLE lot better. Her PCP increased her vitamin d intake because of a deficiency and she's even more normal in terms of behavior.
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Reply to ima7777
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How are you sure this is true? It could be something she does only when you are around. Ask the staff what they experience to be sure it’s all the time.
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BurntCaregiver Jul 16, 2024
Exactly.
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So sad to hear.
Crying about little things is common in certain types of dementia because those little things affect areas of the brain that control emotions. Your loved one also might be remembering sad events, or be sick or worried about their health. If your loved one cries all the time, they might be depressed.
time to speak to your mothers doctor
she may need medication to cope or maybe a professional can offer advice
..
maybe she feels lonely - need a diversion of some sort or more contact with people
best wishes
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Reply to Jenny10
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Is your mother home or living in a care facility? This makes a difference in how you handle the situation.

Many times when an elder lives in a care facility they may be doing very well. The second a family member calls or visits the crying, negativity, and begging to go home start. They only act this way when their family is around. So talk to the staff and ask. Even send a person your mother does not know into the facility to just observe her and report back to you.

If she's home and the crying is all the time she may need some medication like Geaton suggests in the comments. She may also need some companionship. Have you considered getting her a paid companion a few hours a week? Depending on how far advanced her dementia is, a paid companion can take her out and will socialize with her. If her dementia puts her beyond being able to be taken out in public, have you considered adult daycare a couple days a week? They provide acticity and socialization for every level of dementia.

A combination of medication and socialization may be just what she needs.
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Reply to BurntCaregiver
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It’s possible she has depression. What does her doctor say?
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Reply to Funcountess
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Hendersonjl7: Sadly, your mother's brain is broken. Ergo, she cannot help crying.
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Reply to Llamalover47
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My mom needed anti anxiety meds after her strokes and they help but not completely solving the problem. They can get very childlike and whine and make faces. The therapists noted the faces and all suggested meds for her. It's a little better but not resolved by any means.
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Reply to Silverspring
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In all likelihood, this is a condition called PBA, pseudobulbar affect. PBA is often misdiagnosed and can be confused with depression or other mood disorders, but PBA is a neurological disorder that is not uncommon with AD patients. The patient has no control over these outbursts of crying. There are drugs to treat depression or anxiety which may help a little, but Neudexta is the only FDA approved drug specifically for PBA. The drug won't stop the episodes but is suppose to reduce them. Like some other drugs, it can have significant side effects. Talk it over with her doctor.
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