Expert: Paula Damgaard - 2/21/2008

Question
My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 2 years ago and with LBD just 4 months ago. Her decline has been extremely rapid: 4 months ago, she was mobile and knew me most of the time. Now she does not know me and for the last week has been unable to move at all. To me, that looks like the 7th stage. How long can they live in that stage? My siblings don't believe in DNR but I personally can't bear to see her in that state.

Answer
Hi Angi, maybe a year.  Not more.  You need to take your siblings on a field trip.  First to a nursing home and let them see the bedridden patients and ask them if this is what they want for their mother, more importantly, is this what YOUR mother would want for HERSELF!  Then take them to the rescue squad and ask the squad, how many elderly people survive being resuscitated and how long if they do survive do they live?  Also ask what happens when you resuscitate someone.  I can tell you that only 20% make it and live less than 18mons.  That when CPR is done, because of their age, all of their ribs get broken and sometimes even spinal columns, so that if they are the "lucky one" to be in the 20% they are in horrific pain due to all the fractures they received being resuscitated and they get to dement even more!  Doesn't sound like anything I would wish on someone I loved.  

I would suggest to you that you talk to Hospice.  They would be very helpful in making sure that your mom gets the dignity that she deserves.  I hope your siblings listen to you.  Let me know how it goes.  Paula