Alzheimer's and shortness of breath

Posted by blc1951 @blc1951, Oct 12 8:30pm

My husband with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s began experiencing shortness of breath and exhaustion with minimal exertion about 3 months ago. He used to play tennis and lift weights, but has quit. He is 80 years old and gets no other physical exercise. After 3 days in the hospital and extensive cardio tests, they found nothing wrong with his heart. His BP is normal and under control. Today he had a Pulmonary Function Test and he scored in the upper 90th percentile, so it’s not COPD or asthma. Chest x-rays and scans were normal. He does suffer mood swings and anxiety with the Alzheimer’s. Can it also cause the shortness of breath and exhaustion?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Caregivers: Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) & Dementia Support Group.

gloaming | @gloaming | Oct 12 9:54pm

Might he have some anxiety? That can knock the tar outta some.

His thyroid checks out?

judimahoney | @judimahoney | Oct 13 8:49am

@blc1951
The National Institute of Health has some info, and here's an article from a doctor:
https://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/breathing-problems-alzheimers
Breathing issues with Alzheimers may also be caused by brainstem changes, sleep apnea, aspiration and pneumonia or underlying illness.
Sounds like you are staying on top of it, so good luck. 👍

handsdown | @handsdown | 6 days ago

It does sound like it could be anxiety or a mild panic attack situation. The sensation of shortness of breath is a unique bird and can be very uncomfortable and frightening.

slodeb | @slodeb | 6 days ago

Yes, my husband has also experienced shortness of breath afflicting him long before his diagnosis of Lewey Body Dementia. We also went through extensive testing with a pulmonologist and cardiologist, both reporting they could find no underlying cause. He is in his last days now, breathing like he has pneumonia but doesn’t actually have it. The drug that I believe is called Ataban has helped him relax quite a bit. I’m sending my love to you as you travel this hard road.

2me | @2me | 6 days ago

Thank you for this post. My husband has also recently developed shortness of breath after very little exertion. Will definitely have it checked out with his doctor, but it seems to be only when he’s upset about something, so from my (uneducated) point of view, I do think it stems from some anxiety. Best wishes to you!