Thanks for the support

NW_Mike

My DW passed away at home in hospice care on Sunday and I wanted to take just a moment to thank everyone on this forum for support, encouragement and information. I only posted a few times because usually when I would start to respond to a post I would find that someone else had already said what I was thinking.   Guess I'm just slow at the keyboard!

One odd thing about my DW's passing I'd like to note. The coroner called today and said that since she fell and broke her arm almost 3 months ago, and the doctor and hospice both noted that the trauma from that no doubt accelerated her Alzheimer's, the death certificate will show her death as Accidental. I kid you not. My daughter just talked to someone else who lost a loved one to Alzheimer's and his death certificate showed Malnutrition as the cause of death. He had stopped eating (as did my DW) in the final stage. I only mention this because it leads me to wonder how many Alzheimer's deaths across this country are not being recorded as such. How much higher would the incidence of Alzheimer's be if medical examiners and coroners actually listed death as being from Alzheimer's? I wonder.

Anyway, with the incredibly compassionate help from our local hospice, my DW was able to stay at home throughout our 6 year journey into Alzheimer's. She died very peacefully.

Once again, my thanks to all here and I wish you the very best on what is a long and demanding journey for all concerned.

60 falcon

I'm sorry Mike. I wish you well going forward.  

And you make an interesting point, I bet the reported number of Alzheimer's deaths is probably not accurate at all.

Jeff86

Deepest condolences to you, Mike.  Wishing you peace in the weeks and months ahead.  

Excellent point about the likely under-counting of deaths from Alzheimer’s—it’s even worse than what we all think!

Phoenix1966

I’m sorry for your loss.

My grandmother died from Alzheimer’s(or a mix of dementia, but we did not have an autopsy). However, her cause of death was listed as senile degeneration of the brain with protein calorie malnutrition as another contributing cause. No sign of dementia anywhere on the death certificate. 

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dementia-is-often-overlooked-as-a-cause-of-death

Pat6177

My deepest condolences on your wife’s passing. I’m glad you had hospice there at the end to support you. May your memories of her give you comfort over the coming days.

Mint

Mike I’m so sorry for your loss of your DW.

Joe C.

Mike, My condolences on the loss of your wife. May you find some peace in the days ahead.

harshedbuzz

NW_Mike-

Please accept my condolences on the passing of your dear wife. 

That is an interesting conversation. Did you get a sense that the coroner was asking for permission to list it as an accidental death? My mom got a call from the gerontologist who was affiliated with the MCF where dad lived a few days after his death to discuss her thoughts on what should be on his death certificate. It was as if he was offering her the opportunity to sanitize things which sort of surprised me.

HB

toolbeltexpert

Mike I mourn your loss. This is so hard. I'll be praying  for comfort as you continue your journey. 

I would guess the numbers for Alzheimers death would be much higher if it was reported as the cause. 

Davegrant

Thanks for sharing and sorry for your loss.

Ed1937

Mike, I'm sorry for your loss. May you find strength and peace in the coming days.

Marie58

Mike, I'm so sorry for your loss. May the Lord comfort you and bless you with strength and peace in the days ahead.

Bob in LW

Mike, I join the others here in expressing sympathy for the loss of your DW.  Wishing you all the best in coming months and years.

LadyTexan

Dear Mike. 

I am sincerely sorry for your loss. May God watch over you and comfort you and your loved ones. God bless you sir.

-LT

Joydean

Mike, so sorry for your loss. I pray you can find comfort in remembering all the good things you and your wife enjoyed before. Take care of yourself now. 

elainechem

Mu husband died in February of 2020, just weeks befit COVID-19 became a thing. He died of Alzheimer's. That's what his death certificate shows. He had a seizure, fell, and severely injured both shoulders 8 days before his death. The medical examiner had to review his case before signing off on it, but they determined that the fall was not a proximate cause of his death. The seizure was simply a sign that his brain had neared its end.