My mom is 82. I have been telling her doctor for months that she hardly eats and is not absorbing what she does. she eats a decent breakfast but that is it. For a long time the doctor kept telling me that is not abnormal for her age, but now she has been diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the liver, and because she has a HMO I have to wait for the specialist to tell me how advanced it is. But I think she is scared and is depressed because out of a 24 hour day she sleeps about 16 maybe 20 she sleeps over 12 years in the night and a two hour nap on the after and cat naps the rest of the time she can't stay awake is this from the Cirrhosis or depression. or both and what can I do to make it better!
I am not impressed with your doctor's answers. It is too easy to lump symptoms into "Due to aging". My mother was getting more tired in her 80s and I suggested she have her doctor test her for thyroid disease. He did she had a problem, got meds and perked up. She could have stayed ill for a long time before they found it. I think if a senior is showing any symptoms it is a good ides to have them see a geriatrician who may be more sensitive to their needs.
Hope you find out what is happening soon.
Your Mom could be sleeping a lot due to whatever medication she is taking, some stuff can really zone you out, especially blood pressure meds. If she is on a high dosage of blood pressure meds, see if the dosage could be safely reduced under a doctor's order. Plus your Mom could also be sleeping out of boredom.
Sounds a lot like depression and/or anxiety. Does mom have dementia?
Aside from seeing the specialist for your mom's Cirrhosis, would you consider seeking a second opinion about your mom's changed eating habits? Maybe somone who deals with depression in seniors.