Is she getting worse?

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doncarlo25 Asked June 2014

Is she getting worse?

She’s 74, she already has dementia and is under treatment for cancer (chemotherapy). We have known for the past two years she has early stage of dementia and have been working with physical therapy/occupational/and social worker to make sure we are doing all we can. However, recently it appears her body is locking up, her motor skills have diminished (she has trouble walking) or picking up her feet to walk. Holding food in mouth after chewing has occurred or holding fluids in her mouth instead of swallowing. She has had her arm shaking as though she was cold, but it appears to be a nerve issue too. However, it will go away like nothing is happening. This just started the past two weeks. We are getting her to the doctor but wanted to know is this moving into the next stage or even worse? She's been taking pills to help her memory as well as have a person to come into the house and help her but she still forgets to eat if we don't remind her. The falling and not trying to catch herself is scary because its as if she doesn't realize it until it's too late.

Alzheimer's & Dementia

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score 0 · Answer 1

have her dopamine levels checked. She has classic symptoms.

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score 1 · Answer 2

My MIL 88 has dementia. Lots of falls. Recent hospitalizations mainly due to dehydration. Make sure she's getting adequate hydration as this causes problems. She also doesnt eat well with BIL feeding her junk food and just placeing the plate in front of her to feed herself. You want to avoid too much weight loss

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score 2 · Answer 3

Also, for what it's worth, there is something we call "Chemo Brain" with those taking chemotherapy. This could be making the dementia increase. When I was 52 and taking chemo for cancer I was a loopy as my mother who now has dementia. This did improve for me as time went on after my chemo months ended.

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score 1 · Answer 4

My mother in law was experiencing confusion, weakness, fainting when she stood and falling. The doctors found that her blood sdium level is very low which can cause all of these symptoms. They are treating her with sodium IVs. Since I new nothing about blood sodium levels I did a lot of research on the internet and learned it is common in the elderly and especially attributed to cancer treatment. Poosibly that is the issue and she can be treated for low blood sodium and return to her pre-decline state.

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score 5 · Answer 5

A very experienced nursing supervisor at the skilled nursing facility my mother entered about 4 years ago, told me that these folks will most often decline (mentally & physically) in a stair step fashion - a noticeable decline, then stable for awhile, then another noticeable decline, then stable for awhile, etc. Sure enough, that is exactly what happened to my mother until her passing this year. And, of course, as previously mentioned, every day can be different with a dementia patient. Best wishes to you in this difficult journey - you may have awesome and unexpected personal growth.

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score 3 · Answer 6

It is all common with dementia. My mom went through all these stages until she finally got to the point of not eating and that was the end for her. They do tend to start to fall a great deal more and with each fall mom had she got worse. It is part of this horrible disease and do all you can to help her and it appears that is what you are doing. Hang in there and take it one day and one step at a time. It is very difficult to watch our loved ones change and with dementia each day can be different. God Bless you on your journey.

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Is she getting worse?

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