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For years my mom has shown signs of dementia which has become progressively worse including increased weakness, decreased mobility, decreased appetite, increased sleepiness, decreased language skills, increased confusion, agitation etc. Suddenly she has improved substantially to the point that we are questioning whether or not she still has dementia. No UTIs, labs good. Has anyone ever seen this happen? She's 100.

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No, dementia doesn't substantially permanently improve. The pattern is stasis or downward trajectory.
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Reply to AlvaDeer
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My dad had dementia plus a bunch of other severe health issues, including kidney failure and poor nutrition and chronic dehydration related to swallowing difficulties and the dementia negatively affecting what and how much he could eat and drink. When he was temporarily on IV fluids in the hospital after a fall, he became dramatically more alert, talkative, and “with it” and his appetite improved also. Once he was back home he went back to confused, out of it, and lethargic.

It can be hard to tell what is causing what when they have a lot of issues. Dementia itself I always thought was like a downwards set of stairs. The overall direction is always down. But they sometimes linger a long while on a certain “step” and also sometimes try a down step, go back to the previous step, etc. I think when one neural pathway is cut off, the brain can sometimes temporarily “reroute” but the overall pattern is the pathways are closing off and can’t be rebuilt.
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Reply to Suzy23
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Perhaps she is getting ready to leave this world for the next and God is giving her some clarity before she does, because if she truly had/has dementia it NEVER gets better only worse.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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Valentine15 Sep 7, 2025
I have def heard of the end of life rally but shes been improving for several weeks now.
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I did see a case where the Person Improved for a week before she Passed . Rita Had dementia for over 2 and a Half years and my Friend was her caretaker who lived with her . She Had Known me for many years as I would sleep Over occasionally . She Lived In Provincetown and had funny stories to tell . She Had a Heart attack towards the end Of August 2002 and was in the Hospital for a week. My friend Got her home and Placed her Bed by The Picture window overlooking the Ocean . I walked In to Make sure the Blanket was covering her and she smiled and said " Karen you always Have a Beautiful Tan . " and was her Old self again and her eyes sparkled . A week Later she suddenly Passed .
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Reply to KNance72
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True dementia does not improve. Maybe she didn't have an accurate diagnosis to begin with...?

Is she in a facility, or at home? LTC? Or is she in hospice?

Has there been any changes in medications?

Maybe she is rallying...?
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Reply to Geaton777
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Valentine15 Sep 7, 2025
She's in my sister's home. She's been improving for several weeks now.
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How long has the improvement been? Weeks? Months? A year or more? Your description of her various ailments does not mention memory loss. A marker of dementia. Has she been formally diagnosed with dementia? How many years has she been in decline? I ask these questions as a way to understand her improvement. Otherwise, dementia does not get better. The changes in the brain are profound, and currently not reversable by surgery or medications.
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Reply to Ariadnee
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Valentine15 Sep 7, 2025
Her memory of recent events is virtually zero. Its been this way for approx five years. Her doctor is unsure if she has dementia but recommended she be on palliative care. The palliative nurse feels certain she has dementia. She began improving approx six weeks ago. Its the most bizarre thing I've ever seen. The only thing that seems to be getting worse is that she tends to nod off between bites at lunch.
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