New dementia diagnosis and questions on surgery

margaret15 · February 15

My 72 yo DH was diagnosed last year with mild Alzheimer’s, moderate vascular dementia and Frontal lobe atrophy. In 2004, he had stage 4 lung cancer and 2005 brain tumor removed and whole brain radiation. He has CoPd. It took us 16 months to see a neurologist, she wanted to put him on Leqimbi for the AZ but his MRI showed micro brain bleeds, so she wanted him to get off off Eliquis. Talked with cardio about the Wwatchman and they ran EKG, showed 2nd degree heart block so they suggested a pacemaker. DH thinks that the only issues with the dementia is memory loss and nothing more. Has stated in the past that he will never go into a facility and has an advanced directive. He is currently incontinent, severe memory issues, unwilling to take showers, unwilling to walk around, sits all day and doesn’t want to do anything but watch tv. He gets angry about everything. He has shortness of breath due to COPD. I have heard that any surgery or hospital stays can cause the dementia to get worse. I am wondering if having the surgery is worth it?… sorry this is all over the place. I hate it for him, we have been through so much and adding this just sucks!