Final Stage Question...

[KevnBeck]

My mom, 56, is in her 4th year of Early-Onset AD. She has progressed QUICKLY over the last 18 months.

Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.

Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.

None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.

Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of baldder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.

I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.

Any info would be great.

Kevin A.

[SnowyLynne63]

Originally Posted by KevnBeck

My mom, 56, is in her 4th year of Early-Onset AD. She has progressed QUICKLY over the last 18 months.

Walking is nearly impossible, I haven't understood a word from her in over 6 months, she gets very agitated very fast, and the other obvious issues exist...bathroom, dressing, eating...needs help with all of them, as she is 100% unable to do them alone.

Recently, she has lost her appetite. She eats only a few bites of food a day, and is losing weight fast. She is less and less able to sit straight up, and she spends about 75% of her time being very unresponsive.

None of these things were unexpected. The thing that is throwing us off right now, is that she has not urinated in almost 24 hours. I can't find anything on the web about her bodily functions shutting down, only the loss of the control over them.

Does anybody know if this is a sign of the AD progressing, or maybe some unrelated condition? I suppose if it's some sort of baldder infection, it could still be related, I just don't know.

I kept telling myself that I was ready for everything that was going to happen, but I find myself very nervous about this, as it wasn't expected...at least not quite this soon.

Any info would be great.

Kevin A.

She really needs to see the Dr.She could have a UTI.If The Dr.decides she is
in the end,have him approve hospice.They are wonderful,caring people.

[KevnBeck]

Ok, I think you guys are a few steps ahead of us, here.

As I said in my original post, she has just now gotten to the point where walking is very difficult (not bed-ridden), she is still eating, just eating less. She is just now starting to become unresponsive, and is just starting to lose her ability to sit up.

I know she isn't on her death bed, and she's not at the point where hospice is a necessity.

The question was simply about the urination. If the bodily functions continue, then I assume the fact she has not urinated since last night is not a direct result of the AD. I do understand that infections will become more and more common, and this could be some sort of infection.

Please read my post before you start asking if my mom is displaying traits of somebody in her last days. My family has enough going on right now, we don't need to start visualising all of that.

[SnowyLynne63]

OOPS!How much water does she drink?If she has no UTI,push the fluids......Yes it could be AD progressing............even if she does have one ,still push fluids....

[gidget]

Originally Posted by KevnBeck

Ok, I think you guys are a few steps ahead of us, here.

As I said in my original post, she has just now gotten to the point where walking is very difficult (not bed-ridden), she is still eating, just eating less. She is just now starting to become unresponsive, and is just starting to lose her ability to sit up.

I know she isn't on her death bed, and she's not at the point where hospice is a necessity.

The question was simply about the urination. If the bodily functions continue, then I assume the fact she has not urinated since last night is not a direct result of the AD. I do understand that infections will become more and more common, and this could be some sort of infection.

Please read my post before you start asking if my mom is displaying traits of somebody in her last days. My family has enough going on right now, we don't need to start visualising all of that.

Hello, Gidget here, the little green bouncing thing is me on a good day! My father is in an alzthimier facility which is a fancy name for nursing home, my mom needs to be admitted as well , I have both of my parents to take care of and I am a patient at M.D.Anderson Cancer Center as my bonus. I can feel your frustration and want you to know that the suggestion og a hospice is a very good idea. Here in Texas they furnish all the diapers and that is a big help on the pocket book. They came to my parents home, your mom does not have to move into a hospice at this time. They also will help you understand what is happening to your mom and a RN visits to do assesment of their condition and a doctor if needed. There is medication your mom can be given and it helps control their behavior. My dad was very mean at times and his frustration would turn into aggression, the medicine does have a "drug' effect but it is all good. My dad can still say words but makes little sence. Trust me a hospice is the best friend you can have while going through it all and the nursing home has turned out to be the best for my dad. We can not do for them as they can and trying to take care of her at home is more stressful on everyone, I wasnt going to let my dad go to a nursing home was my first way of dealing with it but soon realized it was bigger than I was...............They become escape artist too day and night wandering and they are no longer safe at home. I am exhausted and only touched the tip of the iceburg in this reply. Remember to take care of yourself and at least start research on getting assistance to help you give your mom the best there is to offer, our parents deserve it as I think back at all they did for me it is now my turn to be sure they get it back, take a chill and take all the help you can and do not let guilt get you cause you dont think you are doing enough. I hope you are not the only living child like I am cause it would sure be nice if I had a brother or sister to help, but it is just me and I will be just fine, I have to be.......Chow for now