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Tell me more about your experience with loved one becoming anxious when they find you are not there with them. My mom gets up and down a lot at night. She commented last night that she was afraid? I’m right down the hall in next bedroom. Now I’m beginning to see we have entered a new phase. Of course she is scared when she may not see me or remember. Besides being right beside her at all times…what have you found helpful if you have experiences this?

You're definitely not alone—this is something many families experience. Sometimes the biggest difference isn't medication; it's simply having someone there for conversation, reassurance, and companionship. Consistent visits from a compassionate caregiver can help seniors feel more secure while giving family members a chance to recharge. Sending positive thoughts to your family.
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lealonnie1 11 hours ago
And you provide such people in the middle of the night to keep the mom company????
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Talk to moms doctor about medication for sleep and anxiety. Ativan helped my mother quite a bit with her anxiety and agitation once her dementia was advancing. She also took Wellbutrin for mood and it was a great help.

Best of luck to you.
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I'd try 200-400 mg of magnesium glycinate given right after dinner or before bed to help sleep through the night. Only use the glycinate version to prevent loose stool. The magnesium will help with more solid sleep and also reduce anxiety.
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lealonnie1 18 hours ago
I take magnesium glycinate and find it doesn't help me sleep or reduce anxiety at all.
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This is called Shadowing and is a common behavior that comes with some dementias. It seems to be a phase, it was my Aunt, it's not for my Mom (at least yet). Medication for anxiety and mood sometimes helps. Since people with dementia are actively losing their abilities to use logic and reason, trying to explain that you're "right here" won't help.
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