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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Can Insomnia Be Treated While Suffering From Dementia?

my dad has dementia he cannot sleep well. every night he generally sleeps from 10pm-1am. once he gets up he can t go back to bed. restless and wants to walk or do something. he is not supposed to walk without assistance. but he can walk alone if alert. although not the best thing to do. i am looking for medication to help in aiding him to sleep for longer periods, i have tried melatonine 12mg which helps to fall asleep faster, but not for any longer than 3 hrs. he gets quite combative just before bedtime almost daily. he comes at me in frustration when he can t do what he wants. very stubborn. but still very strong physically. any suggestions?
Tue, 29 May 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.



Sleep and mood disorders are common problems in patients with dementia and they are really a concern for the care takers , what we generally do as\to assess the patients for any obvious reversible cause for the disturbed sleep like , noise, bad setting of beds or lights ,awkward weather , drugs etc, and if there is any remediable cause like pain are excessive urination etc , depressive diseases.

Once all these are addressed and problem persists we generally recommend sedative drugs called benzodiapines for sleep sedation and calming the pt, however these drugs should be used by specialist advise so I would like you talk to a neurophysician and express your concern.



Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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How Can Insomnia Be Treated While Suffering From Dementia?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Sleep and mood disorders are common problems in patients with dementia and they are really a concern for the care takers , what we generally do as\to assess the patients for any obvious reversible cause for the disturbed sleep like , noise, bad setting of beds or lights ,awkward weather , drugs etc, and if there is any remediable cause like pain are excessive urination etc , depressive diseases. Once all these are addressed and problem persists we generally recommend sedative drugs called benzodiapines for sleep sedation and calming the pt, however these drugs should be used by specialist advise so I would like you talk to a neurophysician and express your concern. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.