Newly Diagnosed Father

lplate

My dad was just diagnosed with Alz and is declining fast. He is only 77 and we are atill working with neurology for other issues. Is it normal for the decline to be so fast? I feel helpless.

mckusler

Hi, I would also like to know. My father is 81, recently diagnosed, and within 2 weeks time, he has greatly declined. Admitted to the hospital last Thursday for COVID-19 & UTI. He is no longer the person he was. However, I did notice the decline 1 week prior to the hospital admission. Thanks & prayers for you!

cascheer

My mom is 91, and at age 90 she had a horrible tragedy and from then on declined rapidly.

towhee

Hello lplate, welcome to the forum. The rate of decline varies, according to the type of dementia and the physical condition of the PWD. Vascular dementia is known for sudden sharp changes. Infections or other illnesses can cause rapid declines. Dementia in general is just not very predictable.

towhee

Hi mckusler, welcome to the forum. Two infections plus a hospital visit would certainly cause a decline. As his health improves and he returns to a familiar environment his mental capacity may improve, although probably not back to where he was before.

korbkelly

Yes, unfortunately it is. My mother is 71 and symptoms started in May, got diagnosed in August. VERY quick changes cognition; it's scary and sad. This disease truly affects everyone differently. I'm so sorry.

melissad65

My father just recently declined - like he went over a cliff all of a sudden 6 months ago. My mom has Alzheimers but has progressed more slowly and entirely differently. So we were unprepared for him to decline so rapidly.