Very fast progression

katveg

Not sure what to do. My dad was diagnosed with Alzheimers earlier this year.

Background -

As I think back I can see things that were probably hints he was dealing with something last, but when we visited things were in order around the house and he seemed fine, just forgetful at times. The only real confusion I saw was him putting more value in political fundraiser “junk” that was sent by politicians – he would think it was valuable and he couldn't just throw it away. In December it go serious and I was called because deputies were at his house because he had been in the road – or near it – telling people my mom had been kidnapped or killed by some people. My mom passed away 3 years ago. When I went up to take care of him he mentioned how the people in the TV could watch him. So, I made the decision he could no longer live alone. He agreed and I moved him closer to me. He was still able to take care of himself, so I found an independent living facility that also offereed assisted living and memory care – figuring he would need more care in a few months. Well about 3 months into his stay he turned violent and went after staff. Tore stuff of the walls, breaking pictures. It was a disaster and very scary. He was sent to the hospital. They did head scans, heart/lung scans, blood tests and UTI test to try to understand why he turned violent. They found he had vascular disease and vascular dementia. During these 3 months he also hallucinated, became more confused and more cognitive decline. He moved in able to make a pot of coffee and within 2 months could no longer do that. Such fast changes.

When he was released from the hospital he had was moved into a memory care facility. Not the one where he was – they wouldn't let him back – but a new one. Within 1 week he was sent to the hospital because he was impacted. He was in the hospital for about a week before the impaction would clear.

Current concern -

He has become a shell of himself. While at the hospital he was not communicative. The first time I visited he didn't even seem to know I was there. When they tried to give him his medications – including medicatons to help clear the fecal impaction – he would fight it and not take them. When they attempted to feed him he would spit it out. The second time I visited he seemed a bit aware - could tell he understoodwhen I told him I was working to get him out of the hospital.  He is now in hospice care but I'm just shocked by the changes. Just 3 weeks ago they ran a bunch of tests to try to understand his violent episode and only found vascular dementia. Now he is in hospice care and not eating or drinking.  I visited today and he responded to a few things, like when I asked if he needed his bed cleaned, but otherwise was not interacting.  How can things change and decline so quickly?

M1

So sorry Katveg, probably no good answers to your questions. I'm glad hospice is involved, sounds completely appropriate. He has an aggressive disease obviously. Hope they can help keep him comfortable.

aod326

I'm so sorry katveg - so many things about dementia are baffling, including the difference in time of disease progression. It certainly does sound fast. My experience is that there are times where things plateau, but times when decline is rapid. My DH died two weeks ago and the final stage seemed extremely fast. He was diagnosed in January 2020, although it's unclear what type of dementia - autopsy currently underway.

This must be a terrible shock, as you've barely had time to adjust to the diagnosis. At this point just focus on making sure he's comfortable. Maybe things will stabilize and he'll start to eat and drink; if he doesn't start to eat and drink, then try to enjoy what time you have with him, understanding that he may be able to hear you, even if he doesn't react.

By the way, violent episodes are a common feature of dementia, so it likely doesn't indicate anything unusual. 

Sending you wishes of support.

katveg

Thank you aod326 for your response.

My condolences for the loss of your DH.

I had read about stair-step process but the speed my LO has declined has just surprised me.  I just hadn't expected so quick.   Thank you for your words of support.