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Mommasgirl68 Asked July 2017

Has anyone experienced a loved one with a short dementia span?

My mother took a fall and hit her head in April. She had been living on her own and driving. She had started to slow down a lot, but we chalked it up to her getting older (she's 77) and also her knee replacements and hip replacement in prior years. Once she fell and hit her head, she was never the same. 3 months later, she has gone from driving and living alone to not speaking, barely eating and only drinking approximately 2 cups of liquid a day. My family can't believe this is happening so quickly. We have called hospice to help care for her at the dementia facility she is in. She has lost 25 lbs in 3 months. The doctor's original diagnosis was Lewy Body Dementia. We are told she screams out at night and is restless. They are giving her medicine to help with sleep, but she is still restless at night and wants to sleep a lot in the daytime. I'm not sure how much longer she can hold on with only eating a few bites at mealtime and only drinking 2 cups of fluid a day. It is so hard to see my recently vital parent decline so quickly. My family and I have come to realize she had symptoms of LBD but we didn't know what that was as she is the only family member we have known to have a memory-related illness. She has specified no feeding tubes so that is not an option. Her memory care facility does not let her stay in bed. They keep her out with everyone even though she can no longer participate in their activities. She has pillows to help prop her up and a nice wheelchair that reclines if she is tired. Has anyone experienced such a rapid decline like this with their loved ones?

Wittm1 Aug 2017
My mother had dementia for a long time but was healthy in every other way. She fell, broke her hip and recovered enough to walking just holding my hand. Then she got a UTI and started down hill. In a month she was eating and drinking minimally and I could tell she was on her way to dying. I took her home from rehab, started hospice and she was gone in three weeks.

The downturn can be sudden and rapid. Check fo UTI or gastric issues. Understand that this could be a sign that the end is coming. It was wretched for me as I lost the most dear person in the world to me. It was best for her as life had become something she never would have wanted for herself. It still hurts and will forever, but it is not unbearable.

StopBigPharma Aug 2017
Have they checked your mom for NPH (normal pressure hydrocephalus)? If you haven't already, please have her checked. I know someone that was misdiagnosed and spent 6 years in a wheelchair until he finally got tested. He's now walking, running, etc and has his life back! Also, maybe try CBD oil. I am a caregiver for a 95 year old with vascular dementia and it works WONDERS! I also use it for a 72 year old with chronic PHN pain that he's had for 41 years. It's the only thing that gives him relief. Please research CBD oil and it's benefits. Go to the Realm of Caring website, they can steer you in the right direction. If you do try the CBD, be aware there are people out there scamming people with bogus CBD oil. CBD oil is legal in 50 states. Please look into it. Praying for you and your mom!

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freqflyer Jul 2017
Momma, raising hand, yes. My Mom was fairly active a 97 years old, she and my Dad still lived at home, then she started falling. Of course my parents never told me about all the falls, they kept that hush, hush. I only knew about 2 of them because I was called to come over, as Dad couldn't get Mom to stand up. I called 911. Of course my Mom refused any caregivers to come into the house.

My Mom's last head trauma fall was her downfall, literally. She spent her final three months living in long-term-care. Mom didn't have dementia that I could really tell, but after that last fall she accelerated into the final stage of dementia.

As for your Mom not wanting to eat or drink, that suggest that her digestive system is upsetting her. The Aides were able to give my Mom "Boost" to drink, Mom would only take it if it was in ice. My Mom spent most of her day time being in a geri-recliner with pillows tucked under her knees so she couldn't climb out as she could no longer stand, and she was parked at the nursing station.

It was so hard seeing Mom that way. Dad was heart broken and he would only visit Mom during lunch time, where Dad's caregiver [Dad needed a caregiver and welcomes them] would help feed Mom. But Dad had hope that Mom would improve. We eventually had to call in Hospice.

cdnreader Jul 2017
Dear Mommasgirl68,

I'm very sorry to hear about your mom's situation. I don't think its uncommon sometimes for things to change so dramatically. But I wonder in your mom's case if she has been given a bunch of new meds and the side effects are also taking a toll on her health. Are you able to seek out a second and third opinion?

I know its shocking to see your once independent parent decline so much. Once my father had his stroke, he was never the same. I tried and tried to get him back to what I thought was "normal" but it was never the same.

Its good of you to advocate for your mom. I hope others can offer more insight.

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