As I continue my own search for the "What happened?" How did we get here? Is there any chance for improvement for my Mom's struggle? We got a 2nd opinion about NPH diagnosis, at least we are going for the spinal tap test in 2 weeks. I found this topic: Frailty Syndrome. The scale used to represent where my mom would be. This seems to me to fit her current state. I also have watched loads of dementia/Alz video but came across Amy O'Rourke. She has been the only person I see that talks about Frailty and how a seemingly one medical issue can end an elderly person walking. Our most recent end to PT was because my mother has spatial awareness problems now. Our check-in with the neurologist prompted me to seek a 2nd opinion. After improving on the memory test he proclaimed she was in normal range and could go home. She was well enough to be left alone. UM... my mom is essentially wheelchair bound, cannot use the commode, has a left shoulder that would require surgery to get mobile at 100% again and definately cannot prepare a meal. Thankfully she is not a person who complains about wanting to "go home" as that would certainly have caused someone else world war 3.
"Given the complex nature of this geriatric syndrome, any single agent or approach targeted to one single organ system may not achieve optimal results."
"where we measure frailty as a complex variable based on five indicators: weakness, slowness, weight loss, exhaustion and low physical activity"
The data I read went on to say Women can live like this 18 yrs and a man about 14 using age 70 as the time its diagnoised. It said that exercise and protein help to keep it at bay and change in lifestyle change can make a difference and can reverse it.
I don't think a neurologist can help here. Doesn't seem to be a neurological problem. From what I read, it effects the organs so is a system problem. I read where a Geriatrician is needed. This does not seem to have anything to do with Dementia. The word Psychological could cover a lot of things.
I just don't find any doctors here (usa) that note this, all the info i have found is Canada or overseas.
https://www.dal.ca/sites/gmr/our-tools/clinical-frailty-scale.html
The Canadian Fragility Scale is used worldwide I believe. Not like specific staging (ie stage IV cancer) but for a more holistic patient view.
Eg compare two 80 yr olds: both fair memory & processing skills. Jack is sturdy, ambulant, driving, good appetite, bathing alone. Jill is a stroke survivor, unsteady mobility, has lost muscle mass, so now part-time wheelchair user, poor appetite & low fluid intake, becoming prone to frequent chest & bladder infections.
*Frailty* I would try to use this word as a practical tool when making care plans. Also to consider swapping from having many specialists to one Geriatrician.