Expert: Paula Damgaard - 6/7/2010

Question
Hello-
My mother has exhibited symptoms of Alzheimer's since 1997 and was officially diagnosed in
2002.  She has been in assisted living since 2004 and qualified to be in hospice 2 1/2 years ago.
She has been in end stage Alzheimer's for at least two years.  She has been on supplemental oxygen consistently for about 1 year.  Without the oxygen, her oxygen saturation levels fall drastically but it is never consistent.  She pulls the canula away from her nose at times so I know she doesn't receive the ideal amount at all times.  She cannot walk, talk or eat solids.  She is totally dependent in every aspect of life. The care center is very good and she is not bed bound.  
They place her in a wheelchair in the day room.  She makes very minimal eye contact.She can no longer keep her head erect. She is losing small amounts of weight each month though she eats everything fed to her.  Prognosis is day by day. She is on no other medication.  She weighs about 60 lbs.  When she was still able to make judgment calls concerning her health, she insisted on no life-saving measures. My question concerns the supplemental oxygen that hospice says is a palliative measure.   Her body apparently cannot sustain life supporting
oxygen levels without it. What is your opinion?

Answer
I have to say I agree with Hospice. Oxygen is palliative.  It really doesn't do much except keep her comfortable.  If it really was sustaining then the times she took it off or it fell out would have done her in.  

I would not let them force feed her or give her any antibiotics.  Those to me are lifesustaining.  

I am sorry she is in such shape.  I know this is so hard to deal with.  I hope it is over soon for both your sakes.

Remember to take care of yourself.  Paula