Puzzling Symptom Improvement

fmb

DH is physically in Stage 7 ALZ and has been in hospice care for 11 months. He also has CHF and effects from a stroke in June 2023.

The past 2-1/2 weeks have seen a major change for the better in his mental skills and alertness. Before, he often didn't know who I was, didn't speak beyond "Yeah" and "No", and slept about 20 hours a day. Now he is sometimes speaking in complete sentences, is able to have a short conversation, is staying awake during the day, and is responding to other people.

The bad thing is that he is eating only about 50% or less compared to before. He is having much more trouble manipulating a spoon and holding a cup and is being assisted in feeding at every meal. He is holding food in the front of his mouth like his tongue can't move it back to be swallowed (effects from the stroke). He is verbally refusing food, even ice cream. He has visibly lost weight in the past two weeks, but can't be weighed because the scale cannot accommodate use of a Hoyer lift. His edema and ascites are greatly reduced.

Nothing has changed in his care except that the ALF is now pushing fluids as part of a facility-wide program to reduce dehydration in the residents. Is it possible that this is the explanation for this fairly sudden change? Has anyone else seen this kind of mental improvement accompanied by physical deterioration? I'm at a loss to explain it.

Quilting brings calm

it might be this

https://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-dementia/terminal-lucidity

fmb

@Quilting brings calm

Thank you. I had never heard of this. While it may just be paradoxical lucidity (non-terminal), it would not surprise me if he were to die soon, given the severe weight loss. I had prayed that he live through our birthdays and wedding anniversary (all from Sep. 13 to Oct.13). He may make it to Thanksgiving (our favorite holiday). I will be surprised if he makes it to Christmas.

SDianeL

so sorry you are at this point in your journey. I would ask hospice the question. They may know. Not being able to swallow may be because the brain stem is affected by the disease. My DH wasn’t saying sentences and a few days before he passed I said I love you honey and he looked me in the eyes and said “I love you too babe” I was shocked. That’s the last thing he said. He passed August 12 due to aspiration. Praying for you both.