Find Senior Care (City or Zip)
Join Now Log In
C
cwk8301 Asked October 2021

My mom is needing more assistance and her dementia is worsening. Advice?

My 70 yr old mom was diagnosed with dementia two years ago and since COVID-19 hit last year, it's only gotten worse. She was stuck inside a lot and couldn't socialize with her friends and neighbors at the retirement community she lives in. Recently, my brother noticed that she is not bathing herself and not cutting her fingernails or toe nails. He took her to her neurologist to see if her meds could be changed, but all they said was starting her on a B-12 injection regiment. They did say the shots should help a bit. However, she has long term care and we are looking at starting a claim so we can get her the care she needs, which my brother and I cannot provide, should the injections not work in the way that we want. I recently realized that my grandmother (my mom's mom), who is 95 only started needing help with bathing 3 years ago. Seems like my mom is on the same path as my grandmother, only experiencing her symptons sooner rather than later.

Daughterof1930 Oct 2021
Does her retirement community have a continuum of care, such as a memory care component? I’d start looking for that if it’s not there. And have a lawyer read over the LTC policy and be very clear on what it does and doesn’t do. I’m doubtful you’ll see much out of the B-12, but hoping you can find the best ways to manage and make her comfortable

Grandma1954 Oct 2021
Dementia follows it's own course. Depending on the type of dementia the progression can be faster or slower. And if there is more than 1 type of dementia the decline can be even more erratic.
(word of caution...there was a post recently where somone said that the LTC claim was denied because mom lived in a facility and that was not "home" so depending on the policy be prepared to advocate that the Retirement Community where she is living IS her home)
The B-12 may only make the doctor feel better, and have no effect on your mom. It might have some effect IF it is necessary but it will not delay, cure or reverse damage done by dementia.

ADVERTISEMENT


Geaton777 Oct 2021
One has to actually have a b12 deficiency in order for the therapy to work. It does not cure or delay dementia. Your mom is only 70...very young for what you describe. Has she been to a neurologist to narrow down her diagnosis, like early onset ALZ? There are meds that can delay progression in some people if applied early enough, but eventually will not stop the inevitable. I wish you success in finding the right care and help for her.

JoAnn29 Oct 2021
At 95 you can expect some decline. I do see where B12 can help memory but not that it helps with Dementia. Just that low levels may cause Dementia symptoms.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ask a Question

Subscribe to
Our Newsletter