My mother (93) with dementia sleeps about 18 hours. Should we be worried?

My godmother who just passed last week was 88 and had dementia, and she slept all the time and would take naps on and off all day on her lounge chair. In her last few months, she did not want to go anywhere any more, and would argue even to go to the doctor's office, so I had a mobile physicians service come to our home here in FL.

would like to thank all of you for the information given to me about my 93 year old mother on sleeping a lot, in my own mind I feel it is the dying process, she does ask me at times why am I still here and why I don't just die, we tell her God is not ready yet (she is a retired Missionary) so she just laughs. But again thak you for all your help.

You know, this is a perfect opportunity for your mom to pray between times she's sleeping because she will eventually enter eternity from which you won't return when you get there, (at least not normally). There are only two places, and this is her perfect opportunity to pray now and tie up any loose ends she may need to tie up before leaving this life. This is also a perfect time for her to get right with God if she hasn't yet already done so. If she has any unfinished business, now would be the perfect time for her to get it done, Because you never know how long you have

My mother died about 1 1/2 years ago at 85 with Dementia. Although her death was the result of blunt force trauma to the head in a nursing home, she too had begun to sleep a bit more often during the day but wake up during the night and began to wander. Dementia along with Alzherimer's is a disease that leads you through many changes to the point that you do not know what you will be faced with on any given day. Unless this has just happened "overnight" I honestly would not worry about it. Possibly it is her body shutting down along with her mind. I would honestly rather have my mother at home sleeping than be faced with placing her in a nursing home as we had to. Your mother has been blessed with a long life, enjoy the time you have left with her. God Bless You Both!

Lenette. My mom worked at a Christian School for years. She asks me that question when she does not feel well either. Put on a CD of hymns and songs that she enjoys especially about Heaven and Jesus. I still think a doctor visit to check for infections is a good idea but when they start thinking of those who have gone before more than those who remain, they are ready. God bless you for taking such care of her.

I agree with you ferris I think sleeping your life away at this point while living with dementia seems like a great escape without you even realizing that you're doing it. I too have noticed mom sleeping so much more, but it has progressed so much more through out the last few months. All she wants to do is sleep. I think I feel pretty comfortable knowing that my mom feels at her best when she is sleeping because she doesn't have to think about anything her mind can not handle. Her Neurons are no longer connecting, not allowing her to make impulses. I feel horrible that mom has this horrible disease, but at the same time I am grateful that she is not aware of her sufferings. Unfortunately, I am the one carrying this pain and suffering. I am aware. Hugs to all the caregivers who are in the front line holding it down for your loved ones. You all ROCK!!