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My 80 year old mom was diagnosed with NPH last month. She went to a neurologist in Houston who ordered an MRI. The MRI led to the belief that she has NPH. I live in MIssissippi but was in Houston at the time. I spent a week with her after receiving many, many frantic phone calls about my brother and numerous other odd things. So, I went to Houston to find out exactly what was going on and try to put things in order for her. I now sign on her checking account, have DPOA and medical POA. We also updated her will. She is married to an 82 year old man who lives in Denver. She had "left" him and returned to Houston to live in condo alone. I also arranged home health care for her while I was there so I could have a little peace of mind after I returned home.

She has since returned to her husband in Denver who doesn't take care of her medical needs as they should be. I have done many hours of research on NPH. This is treatable but they won't do anything about it. I just got off the phone with my mom who said she is fine. Then she hung up on me.

I am very upset and concerned about what is or is not happening in Denver. She has not yet been deemed incompetent by the neurologist. Although I haven't actually approached him about this.

How powerful is the DPOA? I read where it is our responsibility to make sure they are safe, only. As far as I can tell, she is safe. She is just not receiving the medical attention she needs. Any suggestions and advice is hugely appreciated b

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What is NPH?
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Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is an abnormal buildup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain's ventricles, or cavities. It occurs if the normal flow of CSF throughout the brain and spinal cord is blocked in some way. This causes the ventricles to enlarge, putting pressure on the brain.
She has the right to refuse surgery, which has its own risks.
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Following VP shunt placement, the 1-year shunt failure rate is approximately 40%, and the 2-year shunt failure rate has been reported to be as high as 50%. 5 Complications include intraventricular hemorrhage, obstruction, overdrainage of CSF, and infection. Don't rush her into this.
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