Should an Alzheimer's patient have hip surgery?

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alaska24k Asked January 2014

Should an Alzheimer's patient have hip surgery?

My father is in the middle stages of Alzheimer's and is having a very difficult time with mobility. He needs to have hip surgery (possibly replacement) however his doctors have recommended against it as they state that he wouldn't be able to handle the re-hab due to his memory loss. He's on a strong codeine-based medication and it doesn't seem to be touching his pain...this is his third "stronger" med for this. An assisted living/memory care move for him and Mom are in the planning stages...her mobility is just as bad, but hers is due to diabetes related neuropathy.

Alzheimer's & Dementia

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score 0 · Answer 1

Thank you very much for your replies. I will ask his doctors about the codeine prescription.

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score 1 · Answer 2

I just went to the internet and put in "strong codeine-based medication memory loss" and found out that too much codeine could cause memory loss. That might be something to discuss with your father's doctors, the pro and cons, such as hip surgery and a different lighter pain medication might work.

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score 1 · Answer 3

anesthesia will aggravate the Alzheimer's and he may come out of it much worse. It's very doubtful he could participate in the rehabilitation effectively.
If he was my dad, I wouldn't do it. Assisted Living may take him as long as he is cooperative. If he is agitated or aggressive, AL will refer you to memory care. Sadly, couples are often forced to be in separate facilities when this happens.

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Should an Alzheimer's patient have hip surgery?

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