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What Causes Excessive Sleepiness In The Elderly?
Question: My 100 years old mother only wants to sleep. When she is awaken to eat, to be cleaned, or to be given her blood pressure meds., she wants to immediately return to sleeping. I am worried about this excessive sleeping pattern.
Brief Answer:
It could be an infection or metabolic problem.
Detailed Answer:
You are good to be taking such care of your mother. I understand your concern. Elderly people may have serious infections or metabolic problems, but not show many symptoms except sleeping a lot. She might have had a stroke. A sudden change in routine suggests an acute problem. Since she is on Hospice, I am not sure how you want to pursue this. What needs to be done is tests for urinary and blood infections, and blood tests for conditions such as low thyroid. Infections may respond to antibiotics. Thyroid can be treated easily with a pill. Other conditions such as stroke may require more aggressive tests and treatments. I would suggest you contact the Hospice doctor or nurse and ask to have your mother seen acutely rather than waiting for the next visit. You can then discuss what tests should be done. You can also ask about what treatments you would want once the diagnosis is made. Best wishes to you and your mother. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
It could be an infection or metabolic problem.
Detailed Answer:
You are good to be taking such care of your mother. I understand your concern. Elderly people may have serious infections or metabolic problems, but not show many symptoms except sleeping a lot. She might have had a stroke. A sudden change in routine suggests an acute problem. Since she is on Hospice, I am not sure how you want to pursue this. What needs to be done is tests for urinary and blood infections, and blood tests for conditions such as low thyroid. Infections may respond to antibiotics. Thyroid can be treated easily with a pill. Other conditions such as stroke may require more aggressive tests and treatments. I would suggest you contact the Hospice doctor or nurse and ask to have your mother seen acutely rather than waiting for the next visit. You can then discuss what tests should be done. You can also ask about what treatments you would want once the diagnosis is made. Best wishes to you and your mother. If you have further questions, I would be happy to answer them.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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