My (81) year old wife has advanced Alzheimer’s. Our 10th year since diagnosis. We have been doing very well, but (3) months ago she had (3) full body seizures. Never had a seizure before that. Those are under control with anti-seizure meds but she has now started having very mild “petit mal” or “absence seizures” every time she is eating her meals. I can count on one, at least, sometimes two. Obviously I have to then stop feeding to prevent choking. Has anyone experienced this just during meals and any helpful hints?
Jim M
I would certainly tell her neurologist about them, and perhaps it's time to up the dose of her seizure medicine or time to add another. Wishing you the best.
They can be triggered by a number of things. Tiredness, fever, light stimulation, stress to name a few.
If your wife's seizures occur only when she is eating it could be a trigger for her. If that is the case try feeding her at a different time, in a different place or possibly put on some nice relaxing music, talk to her in a quiet calming voice.
And I would not make a "fuss" when it is over, just go about the routine you were doing.
My grandson suffered from Grand mals and absent seizures and he had to notify his neurologist every time he had one. Helped in adjusting his meds. He is epileptic. Since a Dementia damages the brain, seizures are not uncommon.
Foods thought to be bad for seizures: white bread; non-wholegrain cereals; biscuits and cakes; honey; high-sugar drinks and foods; fruit juices; chips; mashed potatoes; parsnips; dates and watermelon. In general, processed or overcooked foods and over-ripe fruits.
It may be worth your while to pay attention to WHAT foods your wife is eating when she has a seizure; keep notes, see if you can attribute a certain food to her having a seizure.
I am no expert, by any means, just sharing a theory that may or may not work.
GOOD LUCK!
Even pets can react to such sounds. One of my cats had a full body seizure when he accidentally bumped his Corningware bowls together which make a high pitch ting sound.
I realize it won't be easy to check every move or every sound while dining. Do what you can to see if there is a pattern.