I’m new to this forum, and to Alzheimer’s.

Newbie

My question is, have any of you seen Alzheimer’s symptoms (in particular, alertness) improve? My relative is apparently in mid-late stages and I haven’t seen this person for almost a year. She has recently been assigned a new caregiver and I just learned she is doing so well she was taken off hospice after being on it for over a year…. I’m confused. I know there is no cure but… ???

eaglemom

Welcome to the message board Newbie. This isn't a question we get often enough. I hope I can explain it clearly.

Just because someone is placed on hospice doesn't necessarily mean they are at the end of their life here on earth. It means that their body is failing, they aren't thriving and frankly they don't have a good quality of life. Also, in most cases, a person is evaluated by hospice every 6 month to see how they are doing. Do they requalify for more hospice? Or have some symptoms improved enough they can be taken off hospice? That seems like what has happened in your case. (This doesn't mean they won't be placed back on hospice at anytime, after another evaluation.)

You mentioned a new caregiver. It could possibly be that this new caregiver is "working" more with your relative. By that I mean even the simplest of tasks - helping them to move / walk several times a day. We all know that improves circulation, get the blood pumping, possibly makes your relative breath deeper thus have more oxygen. Also, older people tend not to drink much if any water. Just increasing that does make a difference. When those things happen they become more alert. Of course I used that as an example.

Since this is a relative, I would ask questions. What is the caregiver doing? Just pose the question in a way that your curious and want to learn.

I hope that helps you somewhat. Do report back what you find out.

eagle

Stan2

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/71033/i-m-new-to-this-forum-and-to-alzheimer-s

My DW is probably not as far along in this as yout PWD . She had been being treated for depression for several years before the ALZ diagnosis. About 6 months ago she seemed to lose interest in any activity, lost interest in food and suffered increased memory loss. Although she still took care of her own personal needs she did little more. During this time the psychiatrist she was seeing for the depression left town and we had to find another. The new doc was not happy with the dosages and meds she was taking and reduced them. After a short time of withdrawal symptoms she gradually started coming out of it. At this time she is much more alert and not only will she take part in conversations she will start them. Her short term memory remains very bad and she has a marked lack of empathy for others. She also doesn't seem to be able to think about anything more than an hour into the future but her general condition is a complete turn around. Apparently, simply over medicated.