What to Expect as Dementia Progresses

[@sierragold]

My mom has had Lewy body Dementia for 10 years now, at least that's when I started noticing symptoms. Sadly, due to my step-father's denial, she wasn't diagnosed until years later when she was in the middle stages. About 6 years ago she became incontinent. a couple of years later she became doubly incontinent. She had trouble walking almost right away. First shuffling her feet, then progressing to a walker and as of the last 4 years has been in a wheelchair. About 2 months ago she became bed bound and has lost almost all of her core body strength. In other words, she can barely move, even to adjust her body position in bed. Her depth perception has been off for many years now. She's has a steady reduction in appetite as of the last 8 months. Now, eating very little, maybe 300-400 calories a day. Still drinking fluids, but she has to be coaxed. Her voice is very weak, but with a lot of effort she can say a few words. She knows who I am (her daughter) and knows who she is, although she will often get her last name wrong. Short-term memory is completely gone. She does still enjoy looking at magazines.... and can read a few words here and there. A few weeks ago she developed a blood clot in her left femur from being bed bound. She's now on blood thinners, but they are causing a few unwanted side effects. This is not an easy road to go down. My heart goes out to each and every one of you. Stay strong.

[@jameslwest1]

Thank you for sharing that. Sending you all the love and support in your journey.

[@susanmcmichael5607]

I have mild Alzheimer’s dementia. I live alone and have surrounded myself with people who support me.

[@windysmith7367]

Great presentation. I experienced this with a loved one. You see them going back to an infant right before your eyes.

[@jameslwest1]

Thank you so much.

[@cindyestes4066]

This is the very best video I have seen on this subject. Thank you so much ❤

[@jameslwest1]

You are so welcome!

[@cecillekinnear4585]

Thanks it was such a shock when a close relative of ours who always was charming and courteous towards others began saying inappropriate things to care givers sadly the nursing training was inadequate and this problem affected the quality of her care by nurses who took serious offense.

[@kathyf7862]

Excellent presentation of information!

[@jameslwest1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@may-beeart7930]

This was excellent. Thank you.

[@jameslwest1]

You're very welcome!

[@hinmin12]

I related so well to Bruce. At times children and grandchildren stop meeting with the excuse that we want to remember the previous person. Why?

[@elroycampbell8258]

This is an excellent video. I highly recommend it!

[@jameslwest1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kathyf7862]

You've helped me so much.

[@joanb8489]

I found this video most informative. Since both of my parents and many of my aunts and uncles suffered from Alzheimer’s, dementia and glioblastoma. My constant prayer is that I will not end up with dementia. My father had Alzheimer’s disease, and he also was very healthy and lived a long time with it. I think of him often because he taught me so much about caring and kindness.

[@bobbaker3980]

Thank you - excellent information

[@jameslwest1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MoeketseSebata]

This sounds very serious after I google very interesting cause my wife has these dementia diseases ❤

[@susanmcmichael5607]

Who can afford living in a Skilled Nursing Home? $9000. Each MONTH.!

[@carolblair2845]

Had ANYBODY looked into nutrition as a possible answer!!!??? You all need to check out Hal Cramner of Phoenix, Arizona. He has several care homes and started feeding patients a Keto/Carnivore diet, with the family’s permission. Several folks have gotten so much better that they went home!! Drugs and more drugs are not always the answer people!

[@willowmorst8861]

I have heard this also.

[@jerrilyncarnesi3742]

What about vascular dementia

[@tracysmith-yv5lt]

thanks was trying to find out the difference of dementia and Alzheimers for a long while

[@AnneBarnes-z9b]

I'm living with ftd dementia but fighting to live

[@AnneBarnes-z9b]

Can anyone give me the early symptoms of the didesse

[@jameslwest1]

Hi @AnneBarnes-z9b. There are over 35 common symptoms of dementia. Getting a proper diagnosis from a trusted doctor and their team to understand what is causing symptoms is important to getting the right treatment plan put in place. Some of the more common early symptoms of dementia are: - sort term memory loss - difficulty concentrating that is different from your past - finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as paying bills or confusion over making correct change - hard time following a conversation or story line on the TV or in a book - struggling finding words - being confused about time and place - mood or personality changes

[@KK-rc5ds]

My father is in emotional and physical agony. Dragging this at (he’s 92) gives him very little to look forward to-

[@lorettalatham2762]

How do you make sure that family are aware and on the same page in the stages of dementia

[@dianewhalen9721]

Is there any connection to long term anxiety and depression and the meds they have been using over time? Do electric shock therapy cause dementia to excelorate . Another question when I visit it seems I cause her anxiety what suggestions do you have for me and her Should I stop visiting her if I cause her extra anxiety when I visit and what do I do to help her?

[@jameslwest1]

Hi @dianewhalen9721 Anxiety is a common with those living with dementia. We always want to be aware of possible side effects with any medication or treatment by talking with the doctor and pharmacist. Have you tried visiting at different times of the day? It might be that she can manage visit better in the morning. We suggest coming with a simple activity that she would enjoy like looking through old photos, doing some gardening, or helping preparing/eat a meal. Finding the best time to visit and doing an enjoyable activity can help with anxiety but we still may have to constantly reassure, watch our body language, and work with the whole care team.

[@jfaithweiss]

Give me a break at 32,000 medication infusion for a year. And brain bleed and brain swelling, just ridiculous adverse side effects, that in itself can require craniotomy emergency surgery…

[@joanb8489]

“Grief Group”. Most interesting. Alzheimer’s certainly causes grief for everyone.

[@charlottesedita3136]

KZbin what r you called

[@joanb8489]

I found this video most informative. Since both of my parents and many of my aunts and uncles suffered from Alzheimer’s, dementia and glioblastoma. My constant prayer is that I will not end up with dementia. My father had Alzheimer’s disease, and he also was very healthy and lived a long time with it. I think of him often because he taught me so much about caring and kindness.

[@jameslwest1]

Sending love and prayers to you!

[@joanb8489]

@@jameslwest1 Thank you so much.