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wamnanealz Asked June 2015

My husband isn't eating enough or drinking enough. Does this mean he might be shutting down?

All his favorites are no longer what he likes. He is eating only half the food he ate a few weeks ago. I am making his favorites. He always leaves a lot on the plate. There is nothing wrong with him besides Azheimer's. He is not sick and if physically healthy, so said the Physicians' Assistant, and the bloodwork that she drew only two weeks ago said. He is acting normal in every other way for him. He is leaving stage 6 and approaching stage 7. He is completely incontinent, not knowing when he eliminates. He is still walking around and strong otherwise. His mind is gone. He doesn't talk except for a few words now. Is his body starting to shut down? Should I give him Boost or let nature take its course. He has a DNR requested long ago when he was able to request that.

Windyridge Jun 2015
My heart goes out to you. From what you describe there is no quality of life here. The preceding advice is all excellent. Let nature take its course. Offer food and fluids till there is no interest. Don't fight to prolong the inevitable. Come back and talk with us anytime.

cwillie Jun 2015
My mom is 95 and has no appetite, hasn't for a long time. She has to be spoon fed, but always opens her mouth like a little bird for the next bite despite saying she doesn't want to eat. It's so hard to know what the right thing is, but if she ever gets to the point where she actually refuses to open her mouth to eat I would respect that.

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golden23 Jun 2015
I agree - make the food available -and let him make the choices. It is very hard when they are physically strong yet their brain is going. My mother has vascular dementia and is 103 and pretty strong physically, She is still pretty aware and wishes she had died already.

wamnanealz Jun 2015
I really feel that way myself Maggie. But He just seems so strong yet physically!

wamnanealz Jun 2015
I really feel that way myself Maggie. But He just seems so strong yet physically!

MaggieMarshall Jun 2015
I would be praying that he was shutting down. It's time for BOTH of you to rest. Present the food. Allow his body to do what comes naturally. Boost? Sure, present it. Make sure he knows it's there and leave him be.

I am so sorry. God bless.

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