Is this the end and/or progression of Alzheimer’s?

Posted by kari99 @kari99, Jul 19 11:47pm

My 88-year old mother was formally diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 2 years ago. She’s in the moderate stage. About a month ago, she wandered from home and luckily was okay. She’s deteriorating this summer. She has confused me with her sister a few times; seems frail; sleeps almost all day; is eating less. I’m practically forcing her to eat. I’m worried.

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@kari99 Do you have any update for us? Have you had her checked for a UTI or other infection? Or contacted her doctor?
Most important of all, do you know what your Mom's wishes are with respect to medical intervention at this time in her life? One day, after a long hospitalization, my Mom just told me "I'm too tired. I'm done." She refused foods from that time, and 5 days later, she was gone. It was harder on us kids and grandkids than on her - she got to say her goodbyes and rest in peace.
Afterwards, as one of her caregivers for over 5 years, I felt a profound sense of peace at having given her what she wanted and needed.

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As someone else mentioned: it could be a urinary tract infection.
It could also be pneumonia.

If she will still eat and is lethargic, check for infections/get bloodwork asap.

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Follow the patient’s advance directive as best you can. I’ve told my family if I have advanced dementia, I do not want intervention even for an infection!

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Kari99 - I’m so sorry to hear this - we must be about the same age as my mother has dementia ( age 89 ) stemmed from brain infection/ bacterial meningitis 25 years ago also a stroke a few years back …I can only imagine how heartbroken you are to see the changes …. I know when they change our fear level spikes . Perhaps a doctor update may answer some questions for you … peace to you both . Karen

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Forcing someone to eat and drink while they’re actively dying (infection, etc has been ruled out) inhibits the natural production of endorphins that occurs during the dying process.

If your mom rebounds and starts ambulating and wandering again I would recommend an AirTag. I found an ornamental AirTag necklace on Amazon. My mom calls them her “dog tags” lol.

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