Taking off: My dad just started taking off... - PSP Association

PSP Association

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Taking off

Momto5 profile image
23 Replies

My dad just started taking off his pants while sitting in his chair. He lifts his shirt up also. When I ask him if he's hot he says no.

I don't know if this is normal with psp or what is going on. Any information on this and how to deal with it would be appreciated.

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Momto5 profile image
Momto5
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23 Replies
jillannf6 profile image
jillannf6

hi i have PSP and have not heard of htis at all!

how old is your dad? where r u based ?

in the uk it is too cold a t present to eb takign clothe soff..

lol JILl

:_)

Momto5 profile image
Momto5

Nebraska, and its cold here too! Lol. He's 76 and this just started. Not sure what to do.

finchs profile image
finchs in reply to Momto5

I'm in Nebraska - I have a sister with PSP. I would love to talk to you!

Momto5 profile image
Momto5 in reply to finchs

I would love to talk with you. I don't know many people in Nebraska with psp, don't think our state has a very good support system.

in reply to finchs

I'm from Lincoln, Ne. My email is Susie.Luxford@homerealestate.com. I would love to hear from you.

in reply to Momto5

I'm from Lincoln, Nebraska and am starting up a support group. First one is January 28, 2014. My husband has psp and CBD. My email is "Susie.Luxford@homerealestate.com. Email me if u want more info. I'm working with CurePSP.

laineyash profile image
laineyash in reply to

Hi Sluxford, my lovely Hubby has been diagnosed with query CBD, the Specialist has put him on Parkinson's meds and he has to see him again in April 2018, if there has been no improvement or if he has gone worse then he is inclined to think it is CBD and not Parkinson's, I didn't know someone could have both PSP and CBD, it's a minefield trying to get the right diagnosis and knowing how best to help him, we are in the UK and have a Parkinson's Nurse and have had OT's at the house to advise us on equipment that may make life a little easier for us xx

When PSP affects the frontal lobe (and associated areas of the limbic system) it can affect behaviour. This can result in actions that we would consider as socially unacceptable, and removing clothes may be just part of this problem.

Kathy profile image
Kathy

Hi Momto,

Mum also starts to undress sometimes and usually when we ask her why it's because she's got it into her head that it's bed time or that she needs to be going somewhere and has to get changed. We've found distraction techniques are the best way to deal with it, so we give her something else to do or think about.

Once distracted she doesn't usually go back to undressing for a while! ;-)

Sorry can't be more help :-/

love Kathy x

cabbagecottage profile image
cabbagecottage

It's almost a compulsive thing isn't it .

peterjones profile image
peterjones

hi momto i to have psp but i have not heard of anyone taking their clothes off i know dementia patients do because i went into a place for dementia patients to entertain them for charity once\\ its a great shame to see once normal people going downhill its very sad i hope i do not have to go through that\\\\\\ i think like kathy said try to distract him and do something else to take hes mind off of it sorry cant be much more help take care peter jones queensland australia psp sufferer its a bit warmer here mate

JudyJ profile image
JudyJ

I just saw my Neuro yesterday and updated him on symptoms he already knows of, and some new ones that are starting up. He told me that PSP impacts the frontal lobe greatly, that can cause lack of judgment and/or other socially unacceptable behaviors. In other words, it's the loss of brain cells caused by PSP in that part of the brain. There may not be a 'reason' behind this behavior at all, or at least one that might make sense to a caregiver. I know it's hard, but try not to worry about it too much. It's another unfortunate symptom of PSP, meaning loss of judgment/executive functioning skills. Hang in there.

Judy

MN, USA

Momto5 profile image
Momto5

Thanks so very much to all of you for your answers. It seems very compulsive. I have talked to him about it but it doesn't seem to stay with him. I will try the distraction.

I am so happy to have all of you here for support!

My mum went through a patch of this in middle stage, usually around evening time although it progressed to tea time and the only thing that stopped it was getting her ready for bed.She lost all inhibitions and would need to be watched in case she did this in the tv lounge at the home. It seemed that she thought it was bedtime or was uncomfortable but I think she just jumped on to any excuse so not sure if it was either. It didnt do her any favours as everyone thought she must have dementia. She would even slide off her chair in order to get her clothes off so determnied was she.

Mums PSP also afftected her frontal lobe as that is where the lewy bodies clustered according to her PaTscan. Eventually she stopped doing it as she was not able to use her hands much.

Momto5 profile image
Momto5

My dad will arch his back in his chair and pull his pants off. Nothing seems to stop him when he decides to do it. I hope distracting him will help.

daparose profile image
daparose

Hi, My husband in psp and as very compulsive behaviours he takes his clothes off all the time and it doesnt matter where he is, he as no inhibitions at all and will frequently urinate totally unacceptable places when I ask why he takes his clothes off or ask why he doesnt use the bathroom he just looks at me as if it is ok as other people have commented nothing will stop him if he decides to do this. He can no longer communicate at all and since his diagnosis in June 2012 his deterioration has been rapid although he as been falling and other symptoms for the last five years but was mis-diagonosed. I often don't comment but I am so grateful that I can read other posts as reading them really helps me when I am feeling down, this is an awful illness and makes me so sad for everyone affected.

jimandsharynp profile image
jimandsharynp in reply to daparose

Daparose, Thanks for posting your information. I'm sure that some dealing with PSP will be comforted by your posting.

Jimbo

My husband urinated on the floor of a restaurant whilst we were waiting to be seated,and didn't appear to think there was anything wrong in this, also stripped tonight before carers came to put him to bed.

MarilynMorgenstern profile image
MarilynMorgenstern

Unfortunately PSP patients display all sorts of different behaviors, some impulsive and others compulsive. We have to understand that and hope and pray they do nothing to harm themselves.

Momto5 profile image
Momto5

Omg I am relieved in knowing that my dad is not the only one who is doing this behavior. I am so sorry for the other caregivers, I know how hard this is. I am thankful to find you all and be able to ask question that can be delicate. I appreciate all the honest answers. Thank you for sharing with me.

NannaB profile image
NannaB in reply to Momto5

I'm so glad you brought this subject up. Thankyou. My husband exposes himself when he wants to urinate and several times didn't make it to the toilet. It always seemed to be when I left the room for a very short time. I have now put fabric softener bottles in the lounge, bedroom and toilet which he uses if he needs to and we haven't had any accidents since. Fabric conditioner bottles have wide tops and are more discreet and they can be replace regulary (and they smell nice!). He uses the bottle in the toilet as if he doesn't, he invariably misses the pan. He also thinks it's very funny if he does but I'd rather he laughs about it than get upset. I also keep one in my shoulder bag for when we are out, to save accidents in public or friends toilets.

NannaB

Peter3 profile image
Peter3

In the earlier stages of psp, my husband started walking around the house with no clothes on. It didn't matter what time of day or night he would wander naked. Now that he is unable to walk around on his own, he will start to undress whilst being moved from one room to another, especially if we are heading for the bathroom. He has been diagnosed with frontal lobe dementia as part of his psp.

My husband also has the problem of urinating inappropriately, I will get him to the toilet where I leave him for a bit of privacy and when I go back I find urine all over the floor. He just laughs and says he doesn't know why it has happened. This is probably due to the dementia.

This terrible disease robs the individual of all dignity.

Momto5 profile image
Momto5

I think the dementia is a big part of the behavior. I notice when dad is getting close to the time he takes his dementia medicine, his behavior changes drastically. It's like someone turned off all reason and he becomes totally different. I wish none of this was happening to him.

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