Is falling asleep during meals and twitching a natural progression of Alzheimer's?
Yes, both falling asleep during meals and twitching can be part of the natural progression of Alzheimer's disease, especially as it advances into later stages.
About the falling asleep:
Sleep disturbances become more common as Alzheimer's Show Full Answer
Is falling asleep during meals and twitching a natural progression of Alzheimer's?
Yes, both falling asleep during meals and twitching can be part of the natural progression of Alzheimer's disease, especially as it advances into later stages.
About the falling asleep:
Sleep disturbances become more common as Alzheimer's progresses. Around half of people with moderate or severe Alzheimer's experience sleep issues. Your mom may be experiencing:
- Daytime sleepiness due to disrupted circadian rhythm (the internal clock that regulates sleep and wake times)
- Difficulty staying awake during activities like meals
- Changes in her sleep-wake cycle that cause her to nap frequently during the day
About the twitching:
Muscle twitching (called myoclonus) can occur in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. This happens because of disruptions in the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves.
The good news is that twitching usually isn't painful and doesn't mean your mom is in distress. It can appear as sudden jerking or twitching movements while she's awake or asleep.
What you can do:
Talk to your mom's doctor about these symptoms. They can:
- Rule out other causes like medication side effects
- Assess whether any treatments might help
- Ensure your mom is comfortable
These changes can be emotionally difficult to witness, but they're often part of the disease's progression.
January 10
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