Follow
Share

My FIL was dx in July and MIL has been displaying worrisome symptoms for some time, but particularly the last 6 months. She was hospitalized last month for collitis and bleeding (4 days), then was back in hospital 5 days after being released for an A-fib episode (she was afraid of throwing up so didn't eat or take her heart meds). After another 5 days in hospital, she was released only to be back in 24 hours later for another a-fib episode. She has been home a month but is not eating and is having a lot of confusion and memory loss. The memory loss has been apparent in the last 6 months, but the confusion is new. She's lost 20 lbs since July. I know she's stressed by FILs decline (he has Alz + possibly LBD). Could the stress make Alzheimer's progress faster? I'm trying to get her in to the doc for an emergency appt, but I'm mixed up by the combination of the weight loss and the memory issues. We're being referred to a neuropsychologist, so hopefully will get her tested sometime in the next month or so.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing

4 Answers

Most
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Thanks guys. This is all new with MIL, so we are scrambling trying to figure out how to care for both of them. My husband (their son) is now filling her pill case for her every day and calling and/or visiting to make sure pills are taken correctly. The only ? about pills is her Ambien -- she's taken it for years and we're concerned that she's taking too many or it is making things worse. WE got her a prescription for another sleep med, but she only tried it once and gave up b/c it didn't work as well. of course she is napping on and off all day so of course isn't sleepy at night!
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
glasshalfull, from what I witnessed with my own Mom, I would say that stress and hospitalization can accelerate Alzheimer/dementia.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
Great answer from Pam. I always like to remind myself, it's the DOCTOR S job to make sense of the symptoms, not mine. Don't try to weave it into a narrative, just make report when what symptom started, if you remember. And yes, it sounds like they both need care, asap.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report
There are a lot of issues here, cardiac, gastrointestinal and neurological. Stress would aggravate all three. The MD should be looking at her bloodwork and hydration levels. You should be looking at her pill collection, as I think she may be mixing them up, forgetting some and doubling others. They cannot take care of each other anymore, make alternate plans.
Helpful Answer (2)
Report
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.

Recent Questions


Popular Questions


Related Questions

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter