My mom came to live with me and my husband about two months ago. Since then, I've noticed that she's really sensitive to noises around the house, like pots and pans clanging, or dishwasher door closing. She's also very easily frightened by loud noises when we are in the car, or big bumps as we go over potholes, etc. Is this typical of early dementia, and what can I do about it? I'd like to be able to calm her and assure her that she's safe and doesn't have to constantly worry about these types of things.
My mother was fixated on every little perceived noise. She couldn't hear me shouting into her ear, but supposedly heard all kinds of rattling, banging, and other racquet. I think it was just her brain misinterpreting other input as noise as part of her dementia. Noise that got her attention and was bothersome.
I stopped aggravating myself by explaining to her and just started giving her an answer she could live with. Even if I heard nothing.
And I got good at saying "sorry it's bothering you", even if I heard nothing.
Ask her doctor about what is going on so if there is something that can be medically managed, he or she will look into it. For non-medical management, sound canceling earphones may help though you don't want to take away too much interaction with people while canceling out other sounds.
Not understanding what the sound means makes sense, too, so the suggestion that your mom be in the kitchen rather than another room when kitchen noise is unavoidable may help. Every noticed how the sound of someone else running a vacuum cleaner is annoying but when doing it yourself the sound is just - there?
There are so many ways to look at this. I'd start with the doctor but also try out the suggestions these smart community members have suggested. Please keep us posted on the situation. We'd love to hear how your mother is doing and your posts will help others.
Carol
Ever since then I can't be anywhere where there is really loud music or a lot of loud mechanical sounds going on. Whenever I visit my parents and their telephone rings [it's on high volume and has a tinny sound], I still jump out my skin :P
I am a retired occupational therapist who used my extensive knowledge of sensory processing and sensory integration techniques and strategies to help children with these types of issues.
Reduced level of consciousness. Anxiety caused by change or the perception of unfamiliar surroundings (dementia).
Paranoia which is also common in seniors suffering from dementia.
How do you help a senior who startles easily?
Exposure to and explanations for common noises can sometimes help but as a senior with dementia becomes more and more preoccupied with their thoughts that information isn't retained.
I always remember the day I was watching Jeopardy with my 90 year old grandma. She suddenly asked "why is there a bell ringing?" It seemed like she suddenly stopped integrating the bell into the game, which she'd been watching for years!