My mother's in the final stages... - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

Missy0314 · 03-01-2005, 10:05 AM

About ten years ago, my mother was diagnosed with early onset alzheimer's. Just 62 now, she is in the final stage of the disease. Two weeks ago she was brought from her nursing home to the hospital because she had been vomitting a lot and was dehydrated. A week later, she was back in the hospital for the same thing. After a bunch of other tests, they did a swallow test and found that she is no longer able to swallow, and therefore can no longer naturally eat. We, as a family, have decided not to use a feeding tube. This is also something she discussed at the onset of the illness with my father years ago. She is recieving fluids through an IV. Here is my question, which no one wants to answer. How long can this go on? I realize everyone is different, but there has to be some time frame that is in the range of normal. If anyone has any knowledge on this topic or has been in this situation, please- any information would help.

Missy

Martha H · 03-01-2005, 11:04 AM

Dear Missy,

I am so so sorry about what you and your family are going through.

I don't know the answer to your question, but I just want you to know we care for you and are praying for you. Being a member of this Board is at times my life line to sanity. God bless you.

Martha

BarbaraH · 03-01-2005, 11:48 AM

Hi Missy,

My sympathies to you and your family.

I don't have the answer you need either. My 88 year old mother passed away before getting to the stage of not being able to swallow. She had a living will and in the last months had lost so much weight. I felt to honor her wishes I should have her doctor write an order for "comfort care" so she would be kept comfortable until her body gave up. As it happened, a week later she was at the breakfast table and just quietly slipped away.

I heard recently you can live only 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water, and 3 weeks without food. Those numbers apply to a healthy person. I'd guess your mother has become frail and very debilitated from the disease and would have few reserves of strength to draw from. The IV fluids provide support to the cells, but little actual nutrition to the body. Your mother's doctor might be able estimate how long she might last, with the understanding that it's just an educated guess.

Be good to yourself in these difficult days.

Wishing you well - Barbara

LuvMyLilDoggie · 03-02-2005, 03:00 PM

Hi Missy,

I just want to extend my deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I'll say a special prayer for all of you.
Peace be with you.
Barb

cindyfinch · 03-02-2005, 06:51 PM

Bosmom,

It must be very difficult for you right now and many emotions are running through your mind. Once your mother entered into her last stage of Alzheimer's her time was greatly reduced. The last stage is from 1 to 3 years, but I would imagine from what you have said she is probably nearing the end of stage 3. I am no expert, but I have done a lot of reading. I have my mother with me and she is mid way through stage 2. I have a long ways to go.

There is nothing more difficult than watching a loved one go through this. Most times it's harder for the caregiver and thier families. I keep faith in knowing that when my mother leaves this earth she will leave with her memory intact. Her soul has all those memories. They are just obstructed in life.

If you need to talk you can e-mail me. You are making the right decision and you need to hold on to faith.

Cindy

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