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My mother has dementia, was diagnosed 6 years ago with early onset. She lives with my father about 30 minutes from me. I am her legal guardian, I have her spend 2 nights a week at my house so she can attend a senior day out program. She seems to be much less alert and has been sleeping excessively in the last 2 weeks. She is a heavy smoker and both her and my father smoke at home together which makes it difficult to get her to leave her "cozy" home. She has always been thin but is down to 76 pounds as of the last dr. visit this week. We live in New England and winter is here so she is cold all the time. Freezing not just chilly. I am concerned as she seems to be sleeping so much more in the past couple weeks. She had a heart attack in March and had a stint put in. All of which she does not remember at all. Trying to help her eat, smoke less and try to bath at least twice a week is becoming difficult. There are concerns with her kidney function and she does not drink water at all. I have scheduled a series of tests to check her heart stint in the coming weeks. I am just concerned that other issues may be going on with her internal organs. Has anyone else had these concerns or issues with a loved one with dementia? Thank you in advance for any advice.

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Everything you describe sounds like the patient is ready for hospice. I would not put a 76 lb patient through any more tests or add more stents. Nor would I push them into attending a day program. You are seeing multiple organ failure, weight loss and dehydration, so time is very short. I know that is not what you want to hear, so I am sorry, but I'm being honest about what you describe.
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We called in hospice for my husband when his weight was decreasing and he slept 20 hours a day. I think that may be the first evaluation your mother needs -- is she in the active phase of dying. It is time for hospice? If it is, I'd skip all the rest of the tests and focus on keeping her comfortable and happy.
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Yes, I have had similar experience. That's why I gave you that answer. She is following the same pattern: weight dropping off, sleeping more, and bloodwork showing failing organs.
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I am so sorry about your mother's condition. Early onset dementia always seems particularly tragic to me.

My husband recognized us all right to the end. He was coherent much of the time. Those things don't necessarily tell you how close to end the patient is.
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I apologize for not being clearer. My mother is still active, she showers and dresses herself. Cleans her home and participates in the day out program. She is only 71 years old. It just seems that recently she is less alert and wanting to sleep much more throughout the day. She has always been thin but has dropped into the 70's for weight in the past month or so. She recognizes the family and is still somewhat cognizant. I just wonder if anyone has had similar experiences with a loved one being thin and having dementia.
Thank you for your comments.
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