Aging mother has started drumming. Has anyone heard of this?

[imdjh]

My mom's about eighty and lately she has started doing something that annoys me, but also concerns me. She has started drumming, tapping, knocking the table with her rings or slapping it with palm down, etc... She does this both as a habit, and seemingly as punctuation for speech. She will tap a pencil on the table during dinner. She does this at home and in restaurants mostly, but has started adding just about any place with a hard surface nearby.

I'm concerned because I don't know if it's just a new bad habit, a sign of some disorder arriving on the scene, or an expression of frustration. She knows it annoys me, and stops when I look over at her so there might be a touch of unconscious behavior to it, unless of course she simply likes to annoy.

Ideas?

[Why Syzygy]

1. Is she on any medications? nt

[imdjh]

4. She uses an inhaler, the expensive one on TV.

[no_hypocrisy]

2. Not exactly on point, but drumming circles are therapeutic.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drum_circle

Would it be relevant to take her to a local drumming circle or do you think this is something, say, neurological e.g., Parkinson's?

[Taverner]

3. I do know Alzheimers can unlock artistic centers of the brain

Not sure if this is related

[bettyellen]

5. if you're concerned over possible neurological issues a geriaric psychatrist can help

they understand all the mind body issues including alzheimers, parkinsons drug interactions and all sorts of odd behaviour,

[imdjh]

6. She had a COPD medication which made her shaky, but she got diagnosed at the drum circle.

Seriously, we were at the sunset ritual and a woman came up to Mom and said, "Hi, I'm Mary. I take care of a guy with COPD. You're taking (whatever) aren't you?" My mom, who isn't welcoming to strangers as a rule, said that she was. Mary told her that she had noticed the shaking. So mom stopped taking the stuff and the shaking went away.

I suppose the first step would be to ask _Mom_ if she knows why she is doing it.

[Why Syzygy]

7. Yes, ask her.

If it's anxiety or restlessness, it could be a side effect of the inhaler.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth, irritated throat, dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, heartburn, loss of appetite, altered taste sensation, restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, trembling, and sweating may occur but should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use saliva substitute. Inform your doctor if you experience: chest pain, pounding heartbeat, breathing difficulties. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
http://www.medicinenet.com/bronchodilator-aerosol_oral_inhaler/article.htm

[bettyellen]

8. seriously you dont want random strangers telling her to top meds or take them

meds have crazy interactions and old people display a whole host of new behaviours that can be harmless or troublesome- they need to be very carefully monitored and analysed by pros.

[Warpy]

9. Get her electrolytes checked.

Low potassium, low calcium or magnesium can certainly be factors.

In any case, it needs an evaluation. It's an early sign of something.

[hedgehog]

10. How many other people clicked on this thinking it was an interesting new therapy for

their own elderly relatives to try?

[the inner lite]

11. Sorry, don't mean to make light of this

but I thought you meant drumming in the sense of the new-agey people I see at the Farmer's Market on Sat. morning. Yuppies who are wanna-be Africans or Native Americans!:rofl:

[Why Syzygy]

12. Actually, you should try it.

Drum therapy is an ancient approach that uses rhythm to promote healing and self-expression. From the shamans of Mongolia to the Minianka healers of West Africa, therapeutic rhythm techniques have been used for thousands of years to create and maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Current research is now verifying the therapeutic effects of ancient rhythm techniques. Recent research reviews indicate that drumming accelerates physical healing, boosts the immune system and produces feelings of well-being, a release of emotional trauma, and reintegration of self. (...)

Other studies have demonstrated the calming, focusing, and healing effects of drumming on Alzheimer's patients, autistic children, emotionally disturbed teens, recovering addicts, trauma patients, and prison and homeless populations. Study results demonstrate that drumming is a valuable treatment for stress, fatigue, anxiety, hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, mental illness, migraines, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, paralysis, emotional disorders, and a wide range of physical disabilities. (...)

Drumming releases negative feelings, blockages, and emotional trauma

Drumming can help people express and address emotional issues. Unexpressed feelings and emotions can form energy blockages. The physical stimulation of drumming removes blockages and produces emotional release. Sound vibrations resonate through every cell in the body, stimulating the release of negative cellular memories. “Drumming emphasizes self-expression, teaches how to rebuild emotional health, and addresses issues of violence and conflict through expression and integration of emotions,” says Music educator Ed Mikenas. Drumming can also address the needs of addicted populations by helping them learn to deal with their emotions in a therapeutic way without the use of drugs. (...)

http://healing.about.com/od/drums/a/drumtherapy.htm

[trotsky]

13. Don't feed the trolls. n/t

[mind mountain]

16. I never discounted its therapeutic benefits

I simply found the title of the OP quite odd and amusing.

BTW, I didn't know there were shamans in Mongolia! Or is that part of Tibet?:rofl:

[Why Syzygy]

17. Evidently there are.

Official Selection, 2009 Sundance Film Festival

How far would you travel to heal someone you love? An intensely personal yet an epic spiritual journey, The Horse Boy follows one Texas couple and their autistic son as they trek on horseback through Outer Mongolia in a desperate attempt to treat his condition with shamanic healing. When 2-year-old Rowan was diagnosed with autism, Rupert Isaacson, a writer and former horse trainer, and his wife, Kristin Neff, a psychology professor, sought the best possible medical care for their son — but traditional therapies had little effect. Then they discovered that Rowan has a profound affinity for animals — particularly horses — and the family set off on a quest for a possible cure.

http://www.horseboymovie.com/Film.php

[medeak]

14. bipolar daughter in law goes to drumming classes

it's the only thing that helps her....also she gave me a book re it helping the elderly in nursing homes..... so maybe it's your Mom's natural way of helping herself?

[semillama]

15. I do this all the time

but it's because it amuses me.