Expert: Michalene Peticca - 2/25/2009

Question
MY MOTHER HAS ALZHEIMER, SHE HAS BEEN ON HOSPICE FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS, SHE HAS HAD BACK PAIN FOR SEVERAL MONTHS BUT THE LAST TWO WEEKS SEVERE.  SHE CAN NO LONGER SIT IN A WHEEL CHAIR WITH BENDING OVER WITH HER HEAD ALMOST ON HER KNEES.
WE THOUGHT WE LOST HER THE OTHER NIGHT, GASPING FOR BREATH, EYES FIXED AND DILATED, STOPPED BREATHING FROM A FEW SECONDS.   HOSPICE HAS HER ON MORPHINE EVERY 4 HOURS IF NEED AND A PAIN PATCH.  SHE ONLY EATS IF WE FEED HER,STILL IN PAIN, VERY RESTLESS, HOLDS HER HANDS OR THE BED RAILS OR THE SHEETS.  WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Answer
Hello Joyce,

Thank you so much for your question.  This must be a difficult time for you, your family and your mom.

Although not "typical" with end stage Alzheimer's, i do believe that your mother's situation can very well happen.   

Our brain is our "control panel" for the rest of our body.  Every muscle, every nerve ending.  When that "control panel" is damaged by a disease, it "short curcuits" and thus electrical impulses that control our muscles are distorted or destroyed all together.   Thereby, creating a situation that may mimic what your mother is now experiencing.

I strongly urge a recliner for her use.  Pillow, soft blankets, anything to make her more comfortable.   

I would consider Morphine as allowed and providing much calming & soothing to your mother through talking, music and touch.

Provide your mother with as much peace as possible at this point.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA