AboutMichalene Peticca Expertise I'd be happy to help with any questions about Alzheimer's or Dementia diseases. I can also help with Medicare, Long term care & other insurance questions.
Experience I have my Masters degree in Geriatrics and am credentialed through the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Pennstate Milton Hershey hospital and the American Geriatrics Society. I've been in healthcare for over 20 years and worked directly with Alzheimer's and Dementia individuals for most of that time. I am also a licensed insurance agent in PA and MD. Currently i train healthcare professionals to care for Alzheimer and Dementia individuals and i have been a care manager for guardianship services in PA
Organizations American Geriatrics Society
Education/Credentials Masters degree in Geriatrics
Licensed insurance agent in PA & MD.
Past/Present clients PHI Homes in Pennsylvania
York, Dauphin & Adams County Area on Aging
The Jewish Home of Harrisburg
Question Hi, My Father who is 76 a and had dementia for 6 years since suffering a series of mini strokes has recently come out of hospital after a bout of shingles. He was very poorly and lost a lot of weight and he is a small man anyway. Since leaving hospital 2 weeks ago he has taken to his bed and sleeps 22-23 hours a day. He eats virtually nothing and only leaves his bed to get up to the toilet. His Doctors are 'baffled'. He just seems to have completely given up the will to live and my Mother is caring for him. The only thing he wants is a glass of whiskey - always been a drinker - but he sleeps regardless of whether he drinks or not. It seems to me that he is shutting down - is this the case and should we be doing anything ?
Answer Hello Chris,
Thank you for writing. While it seems your father may have some dementia from his series of mini strokes, his sleeping pattern appears a bit excessive, even for his disease.
I would strongly suggest his phyician reviewing him for an anti-depressant medication and encourage your mother to start a "routine" with him. Getting him up in the am....then going for a walk, then to do some errands/visits, then back for lunch...perhaps a nap...then up again, outside w/ some more exercise/gardening, etc. Your mom must find a routine that will keep him busy and Not at home to be able to sleep.
A glass of whiskey at bedtime is OK....but not during the day.
