Restlessness! I’m looking for reasons as to maybe why my wife gets restless at times. Any ideas?

I don't have anything new to add, there are so many helpful answers here already. I wish you well working through this issue, sending prayers for you and your wife.

Imho, perhaps a visit to her physician is in order just to rule out a U.T.I.

My mom walks from her bedroom to the carport at least 60 times a day. I get frustrated by this for many reasons but understand it is what it is, as they say. She still smokes at 85, in fact she obsessively smokes now because she can’t remember she just smoked. I’ve tried but this is her loop.

Anxiety comes in many weird forms of behavior. My mom would rummage through her purse for an hour looking for nothing. Her finger nails digging and scraping the bottom of an almost empty purse drove us crazy. We even offered to help her find what she was looking for. But she only wanted to continue her search for nothing. It was the beginning of many anxiety episodes. There’s many anxiety medications that can be prescribed to help relax her behavior.

It sounds like she could be trying to get comfortable, but it just isn’t working.

UTI? Constipation? Ill fitting or pinching garments? Upset stomach? Indigestion/Gas/Bloating?

Thanks again to all. I’ll be keeping watch on what may be going on with my wife and restlessness.

Sundowning.

Thanks to BevtheGreat for the pacing lion comparison.   I think she's "onto something" and thought of her explanation in terms of my own behavior.    When I get restless (inside), I find that gentle exercise and concentrating on the movements redirects my attention, and wakes up my brain.  

My father used to play his favorite CDs while working out on one of the bicycle/armcycle devices that have recently been the subject of boring, repetitive and definitely not inspiring ads.   The devices themselves are great though. 

One of the more pricey units, at WalMart:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Magneciser-arm-leg-pedal-exerciser/34053303

A cheaper unit, like Dad had and worked fine for him:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Leisure-Sports-Portable-Under-Desk-Stationary-Fitness-Machine-Indoor-Exercise-Pedal-Machine-Bike-for-Arms-Legs-Physical-Therapy-or-Calorie-Burn-by-Leisure-Sports/5001848179?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-sol-_-bing-_-pla-_-106-_-5001848179-_-0&kpid&placeholder=null&ds_rl=1286981&msclkid=4a733335b4d41b93fea353c980149e27&gclid=4a733335b4d41b93fea353c980149e27&gclsrc=3p.ds

This one probably would require something heavy on the feet to keep the device from moving around.   I would probably just pile  up some paperback books on the feet.

I'm guessing that DME stores would sell them as well.  My father's unit is now mine.

I am thinking that she might be experiencing the early discomfort of a UTI where no position may feel comfortable or she has a constipation problem developing. Please check with her usual doctor for an evaluation.

I was also thinking about a UTI. Rather common in older folks, and TMI, but if you don't hear much of a stream, think UTI or dehydration...

As for medications, read the prescribing info and decide. If she literally is doing this for a half hour out of a 24-hour day, that doesn't sound like GAD.

So many good suggestions. The only thing I didn't see was dehydration. It can cause all sorts of weird manifestations, including disorientation and forgetfulness. Good luck and prayers.

When my Papa had similar behavior, it turned out to be from anxiety. His doctor put him on Trazadone and that solved the problem right away. It also helped him sleep better at night - bonus!

Call her Dr.
Sounds like she's bored and feels caged in like a lion in a cage walks up and down the cage

I haven't yet read all the responses yet, but this sounds much like what my mother did and it seems to be a common occurrence with dementia. I labeled it an OCD behavior at the time, and found similarities in the sun-downing description. Although commonly sun-downing occurs later afternoon/early evening, it can happen any time of day or even sometimes most of the day. It does fall under some kind of anxiety, so medication might be of help. Just a small dose might be enough to take the "edge" off.

"I have asked her why she was so restless. She tells me “I don’t know. I think it’s because.......uh....because......”."

She isn't likely going to be able to give you an answer. In my mother's case, it was always just before bedtime. It started out a couple of iterations a few nights and became a nightly 1-1.5 hour marathon! We had cameras set up, mainly to monitor the front door. Just before bedtime, she would start checking the door lock, the sidelights, something in the kitchen (camera didn't reach far enough, but later when a brother was there, he identified it as the dishwasher) and then something in the LR (there was a pass-through, so the light would shine on the kitchen cabinets.) Aaaaand, repeat, over and over again. This went on for weeks, up to 1.5 hours/night!

They really aren't even aware they are doing this. My OB tried calling her to interrupt it. One time early into this she said she was just going to bed, but after hang up, she repeated the loop a few times. The other time she told him he got her out of bed! He didn't. She continued after the call. I had to tell him to stop calling - she isn't aware she's doing it and it won't stop the "process."

Tripping the camera would send notice to our phones - mine was set up to get the trip AND an email with a clip, so TWO audible alarms every few minutes! I just turned the sound off on my phone and periodically checked (one would still generate a vibrate.) Once the "trips" ended, I could reset the sounds. He only got one notice, but I suggested he do the same. Not many calls you are going to get at 9-11pm anyway!

So, inquire with doc if s/he thinks an anti-anxiety would help. Ours Rxed Lorazepam, lowest dose. I don't know if mom continued anything like this OCD behavior after she moved to MC, but it's common enough that staff would know how to handle it. We really only used the anti-anxiety for the week of the move and during a UTI (the only time she REALLY had serious sun-downing!) The second round was just enough to take the edge off, not dope her up and avoid the repercussions of sun-downing.

If there's a specific time of day when she does this, then one dose about 1/2 hour before it usually starts should be enough. If it happens randomly throughout the day, then she may need regular doses. The nice thing about the Lorazepam, for us, is it worked the first time, every time, within about 15 minutes and didn't need to be weaned off. There are warnings about being a fall risk, but mom NEVER fell while taking this. Her few falls were merely tumbles and did NOT happen when on the medication - they just happened.

Edit:
Now that I've read through the comments, I'll add one more thought (it was touched on in another reply I posted.) Trying keeping track of the time of day and what preceded the behavior. You mentioned her exhibiting this restlessness after a doctor visit. Routines ARE important for those with dementia and activities outside that routine can precipitate this restlessness, since it is often anxiety driven. If there isn't anything happening before these episodes, but they seem to happen at around the same time of day, sun-downing may be behind it. Sometimes distractions can "break" the cycle, but often this doesn't work. A mild anti-anxiety taken shortly before the time it usually happens can help.

For sure it isn't really harmful for her, but it can be frustrating and unnerving for the care-givers! Knowing what's behind the issue helps, but only a little!

She may have a UTI I would take her for a urine test. It feels like you always have to go because of pressure and maybe she isn’t getting all the urine out . But I would start with that . Good luck 🙏

Sundowners is what comes to mind. Restlessness is one of the symptoms and I would recommend you discuss this with her PCP or doctor that cares for her dementia

Could be sundowners if it happens late afternoon, early evening.

Please have her checked for a urinary tract infection (UTI) as soon as you can. For whatever reason, sometimes there's not much pain in older people and it shows up more as the feeling that they "have to go." Until they don't. But they do seem quite anxious and no wonder—they have an infected bladder, urethra, or in more severe cases kidney. It can become quite severe and they still don't complain about pain.
Don't wait. Then if she doesn't have an infection, you can start looking at other potential causes.

Again, thank you all for your replies. Each has given me something to consider concerning DW’s restlessness.

The main thing I need to do is to quit worrying! She’s safe, not hurting herself and she is getting exercise.

On another note, I feel blessed to have found AgingCare.com. I’ve been able to share thoughts, ask questions and get answers from such a diversified group of people. God Bless!

My mother who has Alzheimers was very restless at the beginning. She couldn't sit still and was crying constantly. She is now taking Sertraline (antidepressant) and Trazadone (antianxiety/sleep aid) which is just the right combination for keeping her calm but not sleepy. Everyone is different. Lately, when she gets restless, it always has to do with the bathroom. Either she has to go to the bathroom or has already wet her diaper. Either way, she doesn't know how to express herself. So she keeps walking around and fidgeting. She has lost the ability to ask for what she wants. "I'm hungry, thirsty, tired, etc." Good luck.

My mom liked to walk, rain or shine, both before and during her Alzheimer's diagnosis. When it was rainy, we went to a store to walk. She was always athletic, so that combined with "ansy-ness" made her walking almost a necessity. She felt better when she walked. Maybe it was the release of endorphins (the feel good hormone)(from exercise). Since she was prone to wandering, I'd "wonder and ponder why she'd wander," as I trailed her like a caboose. (At least I got my exercise by walking.) She was like the "energizer bunny," but, as others have said, always with supervision, (either from Hubby or me). I think when people are used to having a routine of going somewhere: working, shopping, etc., their brain can go into overdrive if they sit still. I even wrote a book about our travails taking care of my mom called, "My Mother Has Alzheimer's and My Dog Has Tapeworms: A Caregiver's Tale." Best of luck.

i would have her checked for a UTI...other than that it might be one of the stages of dementia that makes her feel this way. there are so many stages that come and go with dementia. wishing you luck

When I took my Husband to Day Care there was a woman that walked the hall. Back and forth, back and forth, all day long. When I would pick him up between 4 and 5 she was still walking the hall. (wonder how many "steps" she got in in a day!)
It seems to me from conversations and observation that some get "fixated" on something. It would be pacing or walking, folding paper, tearing paper, chewing on something, water, any number of things.
If everything checks out medically or physically , no UTI, no rashes, no pinched skin...then that is just her "quirk".
There might no be anything you can do, she might not even know what she wants or needs.
The best thing to do for her is to make sure she is safe when she walks or paces. Make sure there are no cords on the floor, no throw rugs or mats she can trip on, no wet spots. And make sure the doors are secure so she can not wander out of the house.
That brings me to another point. She may begin to wander out watch for that and make sure that she can not get out. I would also notify your 911 service (police and rescue) that there is a person living at your address with dementia. You can do this by calling the non emergency number or stop in at the police department and talk to them, same with fire department. You could even ask about an emergency lockbox in case they ever need to get in and you can not get to the door. It will also ensure that they will act promptly if you report her missing. You could even ask if you village, town, city has a program that will help locate vulnerable people. (mine had Care Track and was available to people that might wander but they had to have had 24 hour supervision. (This would not have been for someone that lived alone.)

You made a helpful observation yourself when you said "sometimes there may not be a fix." Sad, but true and esp tough when your instonct is to " fix the problem. ". Good advice from those who say not to stress too much if her behavior is not putting herself or anyone else in danger.

Please also note that an underlying issue can result in restlessness. A UTI, area of skin breakdown, itchy clothing etc. Something serious or seemingly minor can cause restlessness .

Check your area’s Alzheimer’s Assoc. they may have “Day Care” for our special seniors. It may be held in local Churches. Our area has some. Maybe 10 to 2. Lunch provided. We found out about this great opportunity at our support group. Members of our support group report that their LO enjoy the conversation and stimulation of interacting with others. The good lunch made a big impression. Check with the local Alz Assoc to see if there is something like this in your area.

Hey hallah,

Mom began doing the "antsy pants" about 3 years ago.. I would take her for walks, hours long drives and sit on the porch. Nothing worked. I had her checked for a UTI and that wasn't the issue.

It was the progression of her dementia. Soon after the walking, it turned into wandering. I had to put alarms and locks on the doors because she would just take off with no particular place in mind.

Someone, on another thread, had mentioned playing a loved ones favorite music. I wish I would have read this a long time ago but maybe I was meant to simply share this here and now. Playing the music is thought to sooth and comfort the incessant anxiety in individuals.

Quick prayer said for you and your family and friends....

My mother did that a few years ago, then stopped and has recently started doing it again. Her route is bedroom to bathroom and back over and over. How long she does it varies. This is a pick your battle moment. Her doctors words to me when it happened first time.
If they aren't bothering anyone, not in danger of hurting themselves and seemingly ok with it. Let em go. For my mom it's getting her some exercise and she not sleeping all day. My problem with it r my issues. Took a long time for me to realize that but shes not hurting anything... so I let her go and hopefully it will go away on its own again.

If you haven't already heard of this book, "The 36 hour Day" it is a must read. I am dealing with my mother's dementia and it has been very helpful.

At least she's staying inside the house. Don't stress over things that don't harm her or create a danger for the household. Maybe she needed some exercise!