My Grandpa had a severe kidney infection that was borderline septic. Was hospitalized for a week and sent to a rehab for a few weeks. Once he got admitted to the hospital his memory started to get foggy. They said this happens in elderly when they get UTIs and infections. He couldn’t tell us the year. It’s been almost 4 weeks and his memory is still shot and his infection has cleared up. They started him on a memory drug, memantine. He has forgotten how to dial numbers, his favorite channels, and some short and long term memory stuff. CT scan was clear of strokes... they told us this would go away but I’m starting to wonder. Anyone go through this? When will I get my grandpa back?? Never been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Was literally fine the day before, this is all sudden.
If his memory issues came on suddenly, they may be temporary. True dementia symptoms develop slowly over time. Did the hospital do dementia screening on your g'pa? If so, and the results were positive for dementia, follow up tests should have been done to determine what is causing his dementia symptoms, is it AD or another progressive disease, or something like residual effects of the infection, or even meds interaction or vitamin deficiency. A neurologist is the specialist that can make that determination.
Is your g'pa still in the hospital or is he at home now? If he's home, I would make an appt with a neurologist to screen him for dementia and it's cause. Also, call the prescribing dr and ask why memantine. If he's still in the hospital, I would ask the staff why memantine was prescribed if they don't know the cause, and if they told you it was temporary. Memantine is a drug specifically for neurodegenerative diseases.
It’s time for him to be evaluated by a geriatric specialist in neurology or psychiatry who can determine whether he’s still able to process and use new information and also use memories of his past experience in new, novel ways.
Who is the “they” who “started him on a memory drug” and the “they” who “told …..this would go away”?
The fact that he’s “Never been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia” isn’t really as important right now as it is to get a diagnosis that fits his activities today. Many things have happened to him- some CAN be transitory and some CAN be ongoing.
You can help him (and yourselves) in the best way by getting comprehensive diagnosis. Hoping all goes well for him and your family.
So not only can an infection cause delirium and cognitive loss but so can the medications used to treat them. It took her awhile to get her losses back after the encephalopathy - but this year after a uti she had a faster recovery and easier time with different antibiotics. Larger infections may take longer but my mom has regained all her losses - and did speech therapy just to speed it along.
I would make sure he is clear from a UTI (as sometimes any infection can some back - so ask for him to be retested) as well as ask for bloodwork and check all electrolytes (low electrolytes or dehydration can also cause cognitive decline). 🙏🏼
you wrote:
“So not only can an infection cause delirium and cognitive loss but so can the medications used to treat them.”
i agree: for example, the medicines used in hospitals can provoke dementia/cognitive decline.
sometimes temporary/sometimes permanent.
dear lovethebeach,
hug!! i really hope your grandfather improves. try to give lots of water: flush things out.
also, important:
not every UTI needs to get treated.
for example, with catheter usage, it’s very common to get UTI. but this doesn’t mean it needs to get treated every time. if there’s no fever/no symptoms, sometimes you can just let it be. no antibiotics. it’s not always a good idea to take medicine.
and as much as possible, avoid hospitals. sometimes you go in with 1 problem, and come out with 10 new problems.
i really hope your grandfather improves. hug!!!
you might want to make an appointment with a neurologist for a check up,
If he does not have dementia the memory loss may not worsen but be prepared if it does.
I would have him evaluated by a Neuropsychologist. More thorough then either a psychologist or a neurologist. A Neuropsychologist will and can work with a neurologist to get the best diagnosis.
With each infection or illness he may have a bit of a decline.