Dementia and sleep apnea

[serenada]

Currently caring for mum (I’ve been in a different country). She stops breathing in her sleep, sometimes for a significant time. Mouth always open, very loud snoring. Sleeps all day.

She snores pre dementia and always had problems sleeping with daytime sleepiness. Am thinking she always had undiagnosed sleep apnea. I have it and machine has made a huge difference.

I would like her to be tested - even if it doesn’t help with the dementia surely it would alleviate the pressure on her body and make her a bit more comfortable.

AIBU? Family do not want testing

How bad is her dementia? Bear in mind that many people with sleep apnoea who don't have dementia don't tolerate the CPAP masks that are the treatment. Does she have someone that could put the mask on for her and take it off? Is she going to wake up in the night and get in a stress over the fact she is wearing a mask?

If you think those aren't going to be issues then testing would be a good idea. Otherwise it could cause more problems than it solves.

I think once she is asleep she will be fine. Her dementia is advanced- she is bed bound, needs washing, feeding etc.

Thanks for reading and replying @AnnaMagnani

I’m with her now, listening to her snore😀

She might be too advanced for the criteria for testing. You can always talk it over with her GP.

That is what family think but what if the lack of sleep is adding to her confusion?