Alzheimer`s Disease/please help grandma

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Expert: - 8/24/2009


Question
my grandma was fine one night then the next day she seems restless and her speech is not that great bad  actually the doctor say's it cause she has a urine tract infection can that be true

Answer
Yes, absolutely, any time there is a sudden deterioration in a person with dementia, an infection should be suspected. They are just holding on with their fingernails, so anything that makes them a little unwell will dramatically affect their cognition. I remember with my own mother in law, something as simple as a headcold would almost put her into a stupor, and then when she got better, her mind would clear up a bit.

Hang in, when she recovers from her infection, she will come back mentally most of the way.

I know you love her and are worried about her.

Mary G.

Alzheimer`s Disease

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Mary Gordon

Expertise

Several years direct experience as caregiver for family member who died of end stage AD. Did lots of research and dealt with a lot of health care professionals and caregivers over the 7 years from diagnosis to the end. Used various care options from community based resources to increasing levels of institutional. Mother of three, two born during our loved one's decline, so I know what it is to be the ham in the sandwich, taking care of the older generation and the younger at the same time and trying to balance everyone`s needs. Ask me, I`ve probably been there, done that. We made lost of mistakes and learned everything the hard way - but you don`t have to! If I can`t answer your question, I`ll steer you to a place or person who can.

Experience

Currently a program manager for a large utility company. My Alzheimers experience comes from having the illness in our family. Out of necessity, we did a lot of research in order to understand the disease, plan for what might come next, and make the right decisions to help and support our loved one. Please note, I am a Canadian living in Toronto, and therefore am not the best person to ask about US regulations and insurance rules!

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