My dad recently had a tibial bypass on his right leg a few weeks ago, before the surgery he was completely independent, could hold a conversation and everything. I will also say my dad has been an alcoholic for many years. Since the surgery my dad has had major memory loss especially his short term memory. He fell and ended up back in the hospital where we were told his Thiamine levels were low and his diagnosis is Wernicke encephalopathy and to follow up with a neurologist. He came home New Years Day and of course has not had any physical therapy yet is very weak, can barely put weight on his leg, he needs help with eating, pretty much everything, so my mom and I are caring for him. He has gone back in time pretty much in every convo, does not believe this is home, and sometimes does not believe my mom is his wife. He is completely dependent on us. Has anyone else dealt with Wernicke encephalopathy or have any advice? Thanks for reading
I’m in the same boat as you. I called an ambulance for my dad in March because he was acting very strange - he was convinced that there was a big prize fight that night for 20k that he was going to win. While he’s been an alcoholic for many years, he had been trying to abstain due to some dental issues. I thought he was withdrawing, or going through the DTs, but this seems worse somehow.
My father is currently in a nearby mental hospital. We are having a hard time getting him placed in a care facility. I’m 29, unmarried, no siblings or other family around, so I feel unbelievable pressure to have him move in with me... but I know I can’t handle this disease. My dad is 53, ran his own business, and was extremely independent, so getting him to cooperate and calm down is a pipe dream some days. And he has shown the propensity to become violent and run (which is why he was removed from the hospital to begin with).
Frankly, I don’t know what the future holds. He can only stay at the mental ward for 90 days, and I think he may have to be transferred to a state hospital. All I can do is hope that he will improve enough that I can care for him, or that he will be placed somewhere that can help him.
WKS can make you feel powerless, and frustrated, and very, very alone. There aren’t many resources out there for it because it’s fairly rare, y’know? And I’m so new to this that I don’t have much advice to give you. But you’re NOT alone. Please reach out to me or others if you need someone to lean on
He's 55 and I'm 58. My mom passed 2 yrs ago and she was his main helper. Right now he's still in his own home but needing more and more help so I'm going to look closer at permanent placement or live in help. I still have several years to work before retirement.
I don't know about having any advice but I struggle with the fact that his behavior and bad choices caused this to happen to him. He was diagnosed originally with early onset dementia even though the encephalopathy, shrinkage of the cerebellum, and neuropathy were already present along with his history of severe alcoholism. He's been sober 7 years but it was too late.
Also, has he been checked for a UTI? These are very common in seniors and if your father was catheterized at all for his procedure it is very possible he has one. This can be cleared up with antibiotics.
And, certain medications are not recommended for seniors at all. Please search online for which ones and their side-effects.
As we age we lose our abilities really fast if not rigorously kept up with PT. If your dad is still an active alcoholic, this may be the main factor driving his health problems. This makes for a complicated recovery for him. My own personal experience is that you schedule all the PT in the world for your LO but if they won't or can't participate...there's only so much you can do. I wish you success in helping him improve and peace in your heart whatever the outcome.
https://www.agingcare.com/search?term=Wernicke+encephalopathy
I wish that I had an answer for you. I am not familiar with this situation.
Please stick around for answers from others.
Best wishes to you and your dad.