Are you experienced with the stages of dementia? (psychiatric, medication, sleep)

[pathrunner]

I'm looking for information from posters with direct experience with the stages of dementia. I have a friend whose relative has dementia but my friend is so upset by the ups and downs that they claim it's "8th stage dementia." We know that isn't true because there isn't an 8th stage. Even early 6th stage sometimes doesn't prevent someone from living independently. The person is deteriorating, but still living independently. Has been a lifelong difficult problem, and getting much worse. I believe it's 5th stage, and am specifically looking for those who've dealt with 4th and 5th stage, which I believe the person is hovering between. Thanks.

Another thing is that the person is a long-term pathological liar. Some of it is harmless, some of it is not. My experience of the person is that they sometimes lie with a negative intent. Other times they lie while adamantly believing what they have said is true. The person is a sh-t stirrer. Some of the behavior may be designed to hide symptoms and difficulties.

Finally, they keep talking about "shiny" things being shone at them from afar, or people leaving shiny things on their property. That is noteworthy, because I have a relative whose wife has been under psychiatric care for many years. She is absolutely convinced that people are following her and shining bright lights at her. Supposedly "they" have followed her from a Midwest state all the way to the west coast. She sleeps with a heavy copper plate on her stomach and chest for protection. The difference with her is that she is a wonderful person and seems to be ok with medication.

This is a quote from another thread:

Originally Posted by KathrynAragon

Did you know that mental health issues increase one's chances of dementia, and earlier onset of dementia as well? Scary.

https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/mental-...a-earlier-life

[Kin Atoms]

I do, and I was considered an expert on the topic at one point; how will this help you?

[DanBev]

I just lost my wife to dementia after 67 happy years.I never noticed stages,she gradually lost her temporal or frontal memory, she could not repeat what was said when you asked a question,as sad as her death it was better than a slow death.
She lasted for around 3-5 years and still was excellent company.It was kind of funny that she would not take a shower for me,only for her daughter,she would get a happy smile for her.
The death was the hardest for me,7/26/2022 at bedtime 10m.
At 9:15 I said time for your meds and as I started to stand she said please wait I like walking down the hall with you,when we got to bathroom she sat on toilet and I stepped back and asked if all was o'k,she nodded her head yes.
I proceded to bed,as she passed the foot of bed she pinched my toe and said good night and proceded to side of bed where I had laid out her night clothes.
I had closed my eyes for a minute or two and when I opened them her shoulder was visible along side of bed,she had collapsed unconcious.I called 911 and they were there in 12 minutes.They got a very slight heart beat and at hospital could not sustain it with respirator,her brain could not sustain breathing,no connection,I was told CPR would not work.

[pathrunner]

DanBev I'm so sorry for your loss and that she was excellent company during her stages of FTD.

[GuruChicken]

I'm so sorry DanBev. It's good that your wife was still excellent company even with advanced dementia. That must give you many pleasant memories of her. I like that she pinched your toe before going to her side of the bed, so sweet.