Anyone familiar with Dementia?

NotSharknado · August 2014

My gram has been in the hospital for a couple of weeks because her sodium levels dropped dangerously low due to not eating or drinking. She completely stopped eating. She says she just doesn't feel like it.

She's increasingly getting confused and we all thought it was due to lack of nutrition(still a factor) and maybe an underlying issue. Well, the doctors have done every test and scan you can think of and everything comes up clean. Still cancer free.

She's seen a psychiatrist today and since it was only her first visit, not a whole lot came of it.

Anyway, Dementia is being thrown around quite a bit. From what I've read (correct me if I'm wrong) one type can be caused by severe depression and can be treated/cured. This can totally apply to her. The last 5 years have been quite rough for her. Brain tumor, aneurism, breast cancer, lung cancer, hip replacement and her son passed last year. Believe it or not I've left some stuff out.

What are your experiences with or knowledge of Dementia?

dovetail223 · August 2014

I'm sorry to hear about all of this. Can I ask how old she is?

Edit to add: in my experience with Dementia age was a contributing factor to the type and progression. And also how the DR's treat or don't treat.

bumpuser794640 · August 2014

There are lots of kinds of dementia, but they are mostly all progressive/degenerative. However, the low sodium causing the confusion sounds a lot like my step father.

He has some sort of dementia that seemed triggered by an incident where his electrolytes were severely imbalances. He is on a daily dementia medication as well as an anti-psychotic. His dementia onset was about 5 years ago, and after an initial period of severe symptoms, he has not really progressed.

Dementias can be difficult to deal with, but hopefully your experience will be similar to my family's.

MrsT0514 · August 2014

I dont have any experience, but wanted to offer hugs and support. I'm sorry your family is going through such a rough time. I hope your gram receives the best possible treatment.

Unknown · August 2014

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NotSharknado · August 2014

dovetail223 said:
I'm sorry to hear about all of this. Can I ask how old she is?

Edit to add: in my experience with Dementia age was a contributing factor to the type and progression. And also how the DR's treat or don't treat.

She's 72,

NotSharknado · August 2014

Can a person die from it?

NotSharknado · August 2014

We went and saw her today and she seemed fine one minute and then just stopped making sense.

[Deleted User] · August 2014

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tattooedtragedy · August 2014

My GMIL (88) has the early stages of dementia and a litany of other issues. Her dementia is not being treated and her CHF and respiratory health are the bigger concerns according to MIL.
One of the first things that clued us into possible dementia issues was a major shift in eating patterns. Either she would forget she just finished eating and set about fixing another meal or wouldn't have any appetite like she 'forgot' to be hungry. It then went on to not remembering the occasional name and is continuing to get worse.
We have been pressuring MIL to start getting help for the dementia as she, MIL, is 64 and doesn't get around well and splits care taking responsibility with her brother and neither have a medical background. I'm hoping that getting outside help will lead also to some medical intervention for the dementia.
I can't believe all your gran has been through and I wish her all the best. It's so hard to see loved ones go through so much.
((Hugs))

Unknown · August 2014

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tattooedtragedy · August 2014

Damn, wall of text! Sorry that got long.

Unknown · August 2014

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acesup · August 2014

I work with the elderly (social work) so I see a lot of dementia. There are different types and often can be difficult to pinpoint or diagnose specifically. Usually they diagnose based on age, and stmptoms or behaviors present, as well as other factors. Most are progressive/degenerative. There are meds that can slow the progression.

It can be exacerbated by all kinds of things. Is it possible that her sodium levels etc was due to her forgetting to eat? I know she said she didn't feel like it, but often people are aware there is a problem and try to cover for themselves.

There is no way to know until they get her on a stable regimen of meds and see how things go. Could be age related and nothing to do with the other factors. It could have been an onset and the improper nutrition and depression sped it up. She has been through a lot, which can also progress it of there was an onset.

My H's grandmother had very minor signs (minor forgetfulness, confusion) but when her husband died it progressed very quickly, then stabilized.

Sadly yes, people can die from dementia. It can progress to a point of being bed ridden and non-verbal, unable to take solids, loss of the ability to swallow, etc. not trying to scare you just answering honestly.

I am by no means a doctor, this is all just my experience with dementia- both personally and professionally.

acesup · August 2014

Also-- have them test for a UTI if they haven't already. UTIs are very common in the elderly and often present with extreme confusion. I have had patients that I would've sworn were quickly progressing with dementia but turned out they had a UTI, got some meds, and were perfectly fine a few days later.

It's a long shot and I'm sure they did the urine screen, just wanted to throw it out there--

NotSharknado · August 2014

pobrecita said:
I'm so sorry @NotSharknado‌.

The Alzheimer's association had a ton of good info and links for all types of dementia.

Did they do brain imaging?

They did a scan of the frontal lobe last week and no tumors. She has some brain swelling because of the sodium drop.

NotSharknado · August 2014

They did a spinal tap today. What's the purpose of that?

NotSharknado · August 2014

GhostMonkey said:

NotSharknado said:

Can a person die from it?

Yes. My uncle had Lewy Body Dementia. He's had issues for years that started slow, but when downhill fast. He was ok-ish at Easter this year. They finally got the official diagnosis in early May. He died June 4. Stopping eating was when his started to spiral quickly. He was 73.

I'm sorry

NotSharknado · August 2014

katnhiding said:
We are going through this exact situation with my FIL right now and it's been really hard. His issue is the severe depression. We're on a daily struggle just to get him to take his meds and he's in therapy every week day.

What kind of therapy?

Unknown · August 2014

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stra0111 · August 2014

All the hugs in the world.I have some experience with dementia. I definitely have heard of the correlation between dementia and depression. My grandmother began her battle with dementia about 5 years ago at age 74. She really took it hard when my grandpa passed away. Her brother and son in law also passed within a few years. As well as several friends. She started to drink quite a bit and my mom moved her closer to us (she was 4 hours away). Once she was near by it became clear something was up. She was hardly cooking, hardly eating, hardly washing herself. She was very confused. Regularly didnt know the date, day or even year. She saw many doctors and her license was taken away. That really hit her hard. The brain imaging showed she has had several small strokes.

Then she moved in with my parents. That did not go well. She needed a lot of care but didn't want it. Basically, she would wear the same clothes for a week. She would have bathroom accidents. She didn't want to eat, except for sweets, which she hoarded(along with acorns). Apparently that is also related to dementia. She wouldn't take her pills(which was a big concern, some were for blood pressure issues). She also had some intense mood swings. Things didn't get any better when her dog was killed by another dog (at my wedding. Another story for another day). It really wore on my parents relationship and they couldn't stay home with her 24/7 and give the care she needed.

She then moved to a retirement home. It took a while, but she ended up liking it after about 4 months. Unfortunately, she recently had to move again. My parents moved and her last place started going downhill fast (management/staff wise). On the bright side, she now lives 15 minutes from me and I am so happy I can drop by with the girls whenever. Sadly, the majority of our extended family don't even call her anymore, some even don't believe she has dementia. I want to get in as much time as possible. Although the move has been like starting all over again. She still struggles with confusion, taking pills and eating. She got a kitten though and it has really brightened her spirits. It's tough. I know she will never "get better" but I can hope it doesn't get worse. I visited her today and seeing her wave goodbye from the door hurts my heart everytime. But at least I know she is safe and close and well taken care of. Sorry this is a novel

NotSharknado · August 2014

piglet6609 said:
I work with the elderly (social work) so I see a lot of dementia. There are different types and often can be difficult to pinpoint or diagnose specifically. Usually they diagnose based on age, and stmptoms or behaviors present, as well as other factors. Most are progressive/degenerative. There are meds that can slow the progression.

It can be exacerbated by all kinds of things. Is it possible that her sodium levels etc was due to her forgetting to eat? I know she said she didn't feel like it, but often people are aware there is a problem and try to cover for themselves.

There is no way to know until they get her on a stable regimen of meds and see how things go. Could be age related and nothing to do with the other factors. It could have been an onset and the improper nutrition and depression sped it up. She has been through a lot, which can also progress it of there was an onset.

My H's grandmother had very minor signs (minor forgetfulness, confusion) but when her husband died it progressed very quickly, then stabilized.

Sadly yes, people can die from dementia. It can progress to a point of being bed ridden and non-verbal, unable to take solids, loss of the ability to swallow, etc. not trying to scare you just answering honestly.

I am by no means a doctor, this is all just my experience with dementia- both personally and professionally.

After her final chemo treatment was when she said she couldn't swallow her food. We thought it was the chemo but her last treatment was over six months ago.

NotSharknado · August 2014

piglet6609 said:
Also-- have them test for a UTI if they haven't already. UTIs are very common in the elderly and often present with extreme confusion. I have had patients that I would've sworn were quickly progressing with dementia but turned out they had a UTI, got some meds, and were perfectly fine a few days later.

It's a long shot and I'm sure they did the urine screen, just wanted to throw it out there--

They ruled out uti immediately and it came up fine.

Unknown · August 2014

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acesup · August 2014

NotSharknado said:

piglet6609 said:
Also-- have them test for a UTI if they haven't already. UTIs are very common in the elderly and often present with extreme confusion. I have had patients that I would've sworn were quickly progressing with dementia but turned out they had a UTI, got some meds, and were perfectly fine a few days later.

It's a long shot and I'm sure they did the urine screen, just wanted to throw it out there--
They ruled out uti immediately and it came up fine.

I'm glad they checked. You'd be surprised how many doctors don't considering how common it is!

T&P to you and your family. Please keep us updated.

NotSharknado · August 2014

I just feel like 72 is too young. I can not believe I'm dealing with a possible loss almost exactly a year later after Fil's passing. My stomach hurts.

Unknown · August 2014

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Mags748 · August 2014

I am an RN case manager who works in a community long term care program for the elderly and disabled and before that I worked in a nursing home so I have a good deal of experience with dementia.

There are so many different causes and types of dementia and they can all progress differently. You are right that severe depression can cause dementia. I have one patient whose husband died a few years ago and she went into a major depression and was diagnosed with Alzheimer's at that time. However, I believe that was not the correct diagnosis because today, her memory is as sharp as mine. I only see her every 2-6 months and even with a six month gap she remembers me and things that we talked about the last time. She knows her medications and can recall all of her illnesses and hospitalizations.

I also have people with alcoholic dementia where it doesn't seem to progress much but there is definitely major memory loss and cognitive issues. Then there is alzheimer's were they do progress to where they don't even know how to perform basic daily functions (eating, getting dressed, bathing, toileting etc). Its always fun going to see one of my patients who will sing gospel songs to me one minute and call me a whore and tell me shes seen me sleeping around the next

Mags748 · August 2014

piglet6609 said:

Also-- have them test for a UTI if they haven't already. UTIs are very common in the elderly and often present with extreme confusion. I have had patients that I would've sworn were quickly progressing with dementia but turned out they had a UTI, got some meds, and were perfectly fine a few days later. It's a long shot and I'm sure they did the urine screen, just wanted to throw it out there--

Yes! this happens so often. Whenever a patient starts sudden confusion or behaviors, I request a UA and often it is a UTI.

NotSharknado · August 2014

I get forgetting to eat but she out right refuses. I brought her dinner tonight because she says the hospital food isn't good. I agree. It was weird though, like she was making excuses not to eat.

As usual I asked "Did you eat today?"
She replied no, the food isn't good here."

Then I said "That's okay, I brought you Portillos."

She then says she can't eat it because it's not allowed.

acesup · August 2014

NotSharknado said:
I get forgetting to eat but she out right refuses. I brought her dinner tonight because she says the hospital food isn't good. I agree. It was weird though, like she was making excuses not to eat.

As usual I asked "Did you eat today?"
She replied no, the food isn't good here."

Then I said "That's okay, I brought you Portillos."

She then says she can't eat it because it's not allowed.

It's the confusion. Dementia patients refuse a lot of things. It's like they want to have to control. She doesn't quite understand. Sorry I can't explain it well. With any luck she will show improvement as she gets healthier and more stable.

Unknown · August 2014

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Littledeer84 · August 2014

I'm really sorry you are dealing with it... I'm not familiar with depression induced dementia, but PP's seem to know a lot more than me. My grandma had a slower progressing form which I think was caused by mini strokes. Over the course of 5 years or so she went from living independently, golfing weekly, going to daily mass, etc...to being in a full time care facility. She was in her early 80s when it started, and lived until she was 93. Sadly her last few years were very rough...she didn't know who most people were, where she was, how old she was, and so on. It was very sad. I hope your grandma starts to feel better and perhaps have more moments of clarity.

NotSharknado · August 2014

Thanks for sharing your experiences. It's scary but I feel better knowing more about.

theseaword · August 2014

My grandmother has it. It came on very suddenly after my grandfather died. I do think stress or depression either triggered it or exacerbated it. I am very sorry to hear about your grandmother.

NotSharknado · August 2014

She was always known to tell the same story or repeat the same questions. It seems as though the sodium episode really moved things along.

All I know is my Grampa said her levels dropped dangerously low. They've been stabilizing her sodium for over 10 days and I haven't heard anything about a GI.

When we went yesterday she was happy to see Sophia(she's used to seeing her twice a week) and talked about her birthday party perfectly fine and then started saying the doctors moved her to the basement.

I feel like I'm missing bits of what's going on. My gramps drops by for coffee before or after he goes to the hospital and he either isn't telling me everything or he's confused himself. If I called the doctor/nurses, would they tell me what's going on?

NotSharknado · August 2014

greenbunny79 said:
it's difficult to diagnose dementia during an acute hospitalization because you can't tease out what causing the confusion (the low sodium, delirium, depression, dementia).

It concerns me that she stopped eating after chemo. Did she also have radiation at that time? I'm wondering if there's been some damage to the esophagus causing pain with eating. Also, chemo can damage taste buds. Anyway, she may need an eval by gi, and all her other acute medical issues stabilized, before they can call this dementia

She had no radiation just 6 rounds of chemo which knocked her on her ass.

dovetail223 · August 2014

I'm really sorry that you are going through this. I've had two experiences with progressive dementia. Although I know 72 does not feel old, it's an age that this comes along. A lot of PP have told you their specific stories and my experience is that it gets worse and sometimes better for short periods of time.

There is a really good book called Still Alice about the development of Alzheimer's. It's fiction, but I remember reading it while I was going through it with a family member and it gave me some insight.

It's likely going to be a difficult journey for you and your family. But try to enjoy the time you have with your Gram and think on your memories of her fondly. This is only one part of her whole life and hopefully her memory loss and personality change won't be the only thing you remember.

NotSharknado · August 2014

What about a feeding tube? Why hasn't anyone mentioned that? Doesn't that seem like an obvious solution?

NotSharknado · August 2014

Sterling13 said:

NotSharknado said:
What about a feeding tube? Why hasn't anyone mentioned that? Doesn't that seem like an obvious solution?
I think feeding tubes can be very physically taxing and risk infection. Is she drinking fluids? Even if it's something like Ensure and broth she might be getting enough calories.

They have her drinking ensure. Absolutely no water.

acesup · August 2014

Feeding tube is typically a last resort. If they can get her eating a modified diet, even puréed, or drinking ensure that would be the way to go. With a feeding tube she would risk infection.

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