Rapidly Progressing Dementia

Tross760

Hi All, 

It has been some time since I have been on the boards after losing my mom last February. I am finally in a place where I am trying to look back and process some of the information we went through in such a short time. In a nutshell- we went from first episode of psychosis for mom in October to passing the following February. In that time I was able to get her into neurologist who diagnosed her with AD/VD (mixed dementia) and mentioned it was rapidly progressing. 

I am looking to connect with those who have gone through or are going through this. If you would like to talk, please let me know as I am curious about information resources and others’ experiences with this. 

Hugs and care in advance! 

Trish 

WorkWithWhatYaGot

Do you know why the neurologist mentioned it was rapid?  I mean, what this opinion was based on?  

I just saw a study where they are identifying symptom patterns using artificial intelligence to sift through electronic health records and they are seeing a cluster of patients who progress 3x as fast.  I've seen another study that lists psychosis as a factor in rapid progression and yet another where they think have identified the genes for psychosis type symptoms. 

This is amazing research that could a big difference for a lot of people and also improve clinical trials. 

My mom, age 75, had a fall and possibly a stroke in late August. Her left hand is sort of numb; that's the only sign of a possible stroke, I think.  It took 2 months for her to agree to see a doctor.  2 more months and she was diagnosed (cognitive testing only, no imaging) with EOAD with possible "vascular aspects" and staged at 4.2.  This was December 23, Merry Christmas! 

I was told that stage 4 lasts 2 years and I needed to start researching our care options asap because by stage 5 she would need more than could be done at home.   He really didn't need to tell me; I knew I was already in WAY over my head.   And I still am. lol. 

Did you get staging info for your LO?  I don't understand the .2 part. I've only read about stages in whole numbers. 

So we've (my sister and I) been doing that, but she is very resistant to care and unaware of the implications of her cognition issues. She is aware of her memory issues, but generally apathetic about things. 

Did you deal with agnosia and apathy?