Expert: Mary Gordon - 11/17/2009

Question
I wrote on 11-10-09 to you and you were so helpful.  Yesterday Mom started have siezures.  So I'm presuming it won't be much longer.  They are giving her something to ease it.  Are seizures normal at the end of life?

Answer
People with AD often develop seizures - they are many times more susceptible than a person without a progressive dementia even in the earlier stages, and that risk rises even more so in the final stage. It is a common complication at the end of life, affecting as many as 20%. It isn't just their neurological damage that contributes - at her stage, many organ systems can start to give out. For example, as the kidneys begin to shut down, the person can develop electrolyte imbalances which can cause seizures.  She may not be getting enough oxygen, she may have low blood sugars - she could even have small strokes - all kinds of things can be going awry.

I know this is very hard - to watch and wait and not be able to help other than hold her hand. Sounds like you are doing everything that can be done to keep her comfortable and free from distress, and that she is getting compassionate care. Where ever she is going, whatever is left of her still tied to that body knows you are there and that you love her.

She's almost like a little bird perched on a branch about to fly free. Hold on, hold tight. Peace is coming.

Mary