MIL has dementia but is not bed bound. Today she is acting like she doesn’t have dementia- at all. Could this be terminal lucidity?
My MIL had 2 strokes 17 yrs ago and has been in a wheelchair. Last 8 yrs she has been going downhill with dementia. Last 3 years she has gotten worse. She eats small servings, is getting weaker, yells at caretaker, is incontinent, cannot hold conversations and basically sits in her wheelchair with her head in her hands. She has been on aricept for a while.
Today however, she is acting like she’s totally normal - except for the weakness. She talks in complete sentences, knows what’s on tv, has been pleasant (a sure surprise). No lucidity has been happening recently, except for 2 weeks ago when she got out of bed on her own and put herself in her wheelchair and wondered where the ladies bathroom was. That’s not really lucidity, but.
Shes 92, and we’ve been taking care of her for 17 years. She hasn’t been nice or appreciative the entire time. Her daughter moved in 5 yrs ago and it’s gotten worse since then.
However she still recognizes us. But I’m wondering if this might be terminal lucidity.
This is the most like her she’s been - a total turnaround, since 8 yrs ago and even since yesterday.
Anyone else has an idea? Anyone else experience this with their elder?
Honestly, it’s painful to see her suffer so, so if it’s the end, we will welcome it.
Thsnks!
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