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aroman1 Asked May 2019

How long does the end of life process with dementia last?

My mom is 85 years old has severe dementia and blindness. She is DNR and was taking off all meds other than Comfort Care. She developed a severe kidney infection and was put on end-of-life hospice about a month ago for 3 weeks now she does not eat barely drinks anything and I was told she would probably pass within a few days 3 weeks ago. Today she rallied a bit and actually ate a little bit and was more aware. For the last two weeks all she has done is sleep and babble incoherently if you do wake her. She has lost a lot of weight and is surviving solely on perhaps a pudding cup and a glass of juice daily. How can someone survive on so little for this long?

MargaretMcKen May 2019
It is not uncommon for people to rally a week or so before death, most recently to my ex-husband, father of my children (dying from liver cancer). They are very glad that 'dad had a good couple of weeks' so close to the end. Perhaps that is what is happening with your mother. Just go with it. Best wishes.

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