Expert: Michalene Peticca - 11/5/2008

Question
hello. I was just wondering if you could help me please.  My dear mum has alzheimers and she is in the later stages and is just in bed all day and cant do anything for herself and does not know her family.  For the last couple of weeks she is constantly sleeping  and our dad is worried and I try to tell him it is the alzheimers, but bless him he refuses to beleive this.  Do you think it is the alzheimers. I think she is giving up now. but our dad seems to think it is because she does not sleep at night.  The doctor said she has a mild urine infection.  It is one of the hardest things i think i have ever had to deal with watching my mum deteriorate. Our dad even feeds her when she is asleep because he wants to help keep her strength up.  Thanks for listening.  from shirley.

Answer
Hello Shirley,

Thank you for writing.  

Yes, in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease, an individual sleeps much more than a "normal person"; however, because of her Urinary tract infection, this will also cause her to sleep much more than usual.  I am sure the physicians are treating her for the UTI and you may see an increase in her alertness and responsiveness.

It is a devastating disease and your father has to understand it is a progressive disease and not something that she is going to "improve" from.

Cherish every moment and continue to allow him to feed her...it is probably the most rewarding thing he can do for her right now.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA