MIL just broke her ankle and may require pins and surgery. Should I expect a sharp decline in her health?

Oh no, that's terrible. I know that surgery is not encouraged in Alzheimers patients, but if there is no other option, I'm not sure what choice you have.

I might discuss the various options for anaesthesia and see if they can come up with the least severe. The stress and pain are other issues. Discuss appropriate pain meds. My cousin who is more advanced with her dementia did not do well with Percoset.

Post surgery care is also very important, as she may forget to not put weight on the healing foot. She would need to be watched a lot to make sure that doesn't happen. My cousin would also remove her bandages and forget why they were there.

How long will it take for her foot to heal?

I will say that my cousin who has Vascular dementia mixed with Alzheimers, she showed a marked decline after breaking her wrist. Then she was stable, then another marked decline after fracturing her spiine 4 months later. And another one the next month when she broke her hand. She's now in a wheelchair.

Of course I have no idea how your mom will do. Some people seem to stay more stable if they have Alzheimers and not other forms of dementia.

I wish you the best with your mother. I know this is so difficult.

I'm so sorry that you are dealing with this. talk to the doc about anesthesia. they were able to repair my mom's broken hip under something that was akin to a local; deep anesthesia is to be avoided with elders with dementia.

agreed, a local anesthetic is less risky, and nerve blocks for post surgical pain are something to consider. As for decline, if bones are breaking easily, there is already decline in the system.

See if they will also evaluate and treat for osteoporosis and hopefully prevent more fractures. And a surgery under local or regional that lets her weight bear soonest might be better tolerated than casting and trying to keep her off of it. Here's wishing you both well!