Suggest Treatment For Dementia

Posted on Sun, 26 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 26 Mar 2017 Answered on

Fri, 14 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My 81 year old mother complains that she feels movement "in and thru the floor moving up thru her body even in bed" . She says it is so bad it kept her awake last night. Neither my. Husband or I feel anything. She has had this complaint before. She does have dementia

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Probably related to dementia

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

That description your mother provides doesn't really seem to fit a particular brain lesion, doesn't correspond to a specific brain area which damage would cause such a symptom.
It doesn't seem to relate to other potential balance issues such as inner ear disorders or metabolic alterations.

In this setting I would attribute that symptom to psychological origins. Dementia patients have a higher potential for anxiety or depression as well as may manifest hallucinations. For the moment I would recommend only reassuring her, wouldn't add medications for that symptom. Only if symptoms affect her quality of life and make it difficult to manage her would I consider adding medication.

I remain at your disposal for other questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T