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Is Zombie Behavior Common In Dementia?
My dad has mild to severe dementia; lately he blacks out when he is having a dementia attack . He acts like a zombie, just stares or stands, cant answer questions. The only way to handle him is to get him in bed, then the behavior passes in 1/2 or less... he wakes up not knowing what happened. Dr gave him ativan and that seemed to help for the last 6 weeks, now the zombie like behavior happened twice in 1 week... is this zombie behavior common in dementia?? Thanks AnnaMarie
Mon, 29 Sep 2014
Hello and thanks for your query.
I understand that you are worried about your dad's recent behavioural changes, in the background of a diagnosis of Dementia.
The kind of "zombie-like behaviour" where he blacks out or becomes disoriented / stuporous temporarily is NOT a common feature seen in Dementia. In fact, Dementia is a slowly progressive illness, where the deterioration happens very gradually. It doesn't present with such "attacks" as you have described.
In my opinion, these could be seizure-related phenomena (temporal lobe seizures) or transient ischemic attacks. So, in my opinion, he needs a detailed neurological evaluation (including a brain scan) to determine the cause of these symptoms.
Best wishes.
I understand that you are worried about your dad's recent behavioural changes, in the background of a diagnosis of Dementia.
The kind of "zombie-like behaviour" where he blacks out or becomes disoriented / stuporous temporarily is NOT a common feature seen in Dementia. In fact, Dementia is a slowly progressive illness, where the deterioration happens very gradually. It doesn't present with such "attacks" as you have described.
In my opinion, these could be seizure-related phenomena (temporal lobe seizures) or transient ischemic attacks. So, in my opinion, he needs a detailed neurological evaluation (including a brain scan) to determine the cause of these symptoms.
Best wishes.
I find this answer helpful
Hi dear
I understand your concern.
It is not zombie behavior.
It is postural mannerisms.
Occur in dementia and psychotic illness.
Ativan only help in sleep.
Dementia require proepr treatment.
It can be treated with medicine like donepezile /memantine.
Low dose anti psychotic can help to reduce that type of behaviour.
Consult psychiatrist for further assistance.
Still if you have a query then feel free to ask.
Thank you.
I understand your concern.
It is not zombie behavior.
It is postural mannerisms.
Occur in dementia and psychotic illness.
Ativan only help in sleep.
Dementia require proepr treatment.
It can be treated with medicine like donepezile /memantine.
Low dose anti psychotic can help to reduce that type of behaviour.
Consult psychiatrist for further assistance.
Still if you have a query then feel free to ask.
Thank you.
I find this answer helpful
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