Expert: Michalene Peticca - 3/9/2009

Question
Hi there just wondered if you could give us some information.My auntie suffers from vascular dementia and alziemers she is 72 years of age and has been in a home for nearly two years.
After a accident at her care home, all residents had to move to diffrent care homes,my auntie did not know who we was then but has taken a turn for the worse now, she does not speak much now maybe just the yes,she is also urine incontinent,she cannot feed herself dress or wash herself anymore,she has lost lots of weight and cannot walk much now without aid.she shakes terrible and seems to be very taught,please could you tell me at what stage she could be at now,its heartbreaking to see we are all she has in the world thankyou Heather Johnson

Answer
Hello Heather,

Thank you for writing.  I understand your concern for your aunt.

I assume she has been diagnosed with vascular dementia.  Typically, an individual is either diagnosed with vascular dementia or Alzheimer's, but not both.  Both are very different causes of dementia.

Nonetheless, it appears she has had some recent change and could very well be related to her dementia.   However, you may want to ask the staff to check urine labs and see if she has a urinary tract infection or some other physical complication that may be causing her recent decline.

Otherwise, yes, you are correct in realizing that your aunt will continue to progress in her disease and yet, your presence as a loving family member, is truly the greatest gift for her right now.

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca, MA