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CaringDaughter7 Asked May 2023

Metabolic encephalopathy: Does anyone have a parent that has this?

Does anyone have a parent that has this? This is sparking confusion and almost a trans-like state in my mom at times. It's a broad term of a constellation of symptoms that unfortunately is difficult to treat as you need to treat the underlying symptoms. I'm curious of anyone's experience dealing with this. Thank you!

AlvaDeer May 2023
Everything You Need to Know About Metabolic Encephalopathy (healthline.com)

I found the above a good primer. Wow, Caring, can you tell us a bit about how this manifests for your Mom and what you do about it? Are you constantly having to go into ER for electrolyte panel?

I do have a family member who has ideopathic low sodium, and as a result a hospital accident occurred that was permanent and life changing.

This sounds so dangerous for you in caring for your Mom.

JoAnn29 May 2023
I found the same explanation as Geaton did.

So when it comes to the liver, its probably the toxins the disease gives off. With the heart, not enough oxygen getting to the brain. And diabetes the sugar levels.

So I guess Mom gets treated like someone with Dementia. You can't cure the causes so you need to learn how to deal with the ME.

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Geaton777 May 2023
I had never heard of this before so I am supplying more info about it so that others can learn, too.

"Metabolic encephalopathy happens when another health condition, such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney failure, or heart failure, makes it hard for the brain to work. For example, if blood sugar gets too high in diabetes, it can lead to confusion and even a coma."

Source: https://www.webmd.com/brain/what-is-encephalopathy/

What has your mother been tested for? Does she have diabetes or heart problems?

Way2tired May 2023
My 68 yo sister recently has (had ) this due to a couple of serious underlying conditions which are difficult to manage . She was in the hospital with delirium that started at home from metabolic encephalitis and then rehab and is now home with her son , but eventually will need a nursing home. She really should be in assisted living but does not have money and was not bad enough for SNF ( Medicaid ) so my nephew took her home . He works 5 minutes away and has cameras in the home , he watches on his phone . Two of his neighbors check in on her as well . He tried to have senior volunteers come sit with my sister at home a couple of hours a few days a week but sis refuses . Her cognitive status has not returned to baseline and is at risk for delirium again . The timeline is very unpredictable at this point .

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