Brain shrinkage

Lkrielow99

Good Morning Warriors. I tried to research the subject of brain shrinkage and changes in facial features. There doesn’t seem to be much about this. My DH is gaining weight in MC facility but his face features are changing dramatically. In particular, his eye sockets are deepening. His cheeks are also sinking in. He has declined substantially these last 6 months. I know it’s got to be normal as the brain shrinks , but wth, no one says anything? Is this just another crazy thing in my twilight zone? Just asking. Thank you all for being here and much love to you.

Quilting brings calm

I don’t think the facial changes are related to brain shrinkage. In my opinion, it’s more likely related to his physical condition and/or aging. As people get older and frailer, the changes you mention begin to happen.

trottingalong

I’m going to agree with @Quilting brings calm.

Bowerbird

Aging brings lower skin elasticity, thin skin, weaker muscles, fat loss, and sometimes dehydration. Gravity takes its toll as well.

Lkrielow99

thanks for the input. I found this

Any perceived change in the face’s physical structure is not a result of the disease attacking the facial tissue itself. However, dementia can be associated with an accelerated aging trajectory that may manifest in the face. Studies have found that people with Alzheimer’s disease often exhibit increased facial asymmetry compared to age-matched individuals without cognitive impairment. This asymmetry is measurable across various facial landmarks. This phenomenon may reflect a faster biological aging process linked to the disease, rather than a direct physical assault on facial structures.

my DH is aging fast. He is 77 and seems to be deteriorating quickly. Sunken face, swollen ankles, etc. He was diagnosed 7/2023.

jgreen

Hi, @Lkrielow99

Does your DH qualify for Hospice? I think I’ve read other posts where the spouse had Hospice as another “set of eyes” on their LO, even when in MC. A good Hospice nurse is a great resource and can answer many of your questions. And you can do a self referral - Medicare covered.

Jeff H

My DW when she smiles only half of her smile is expressed. My father who passed from frontal lobe dementia had the same half smile expression.

It's known as Facial asymmetry which can show up in people with Alzheimer's disease.

Alzheimer’s itself doesn’t usually cause true structural asymmetry, but you may notice one side of the face looks more flat or less expressive. A slight droop when tired. And uneven smiling or slower movement on one side.

Changes in brain signaling affecting facial muscles
Fatigue (“sundowning” can make this more noticeable in the evening)