Expert: Michalene Peticca - 9/16/2011

Question
my mom is 83years old and has alzheimers since the age of 72years
for the last week she was hospitilze and doctors could not find out where the pain is coming from all her vital sign are normal no high blood or diabetis cholestrol, she will get the pains and it last for only about for a few seconds but get its sometimes every half and hour of less,
hospital discharge her and put her on antibotics but get the pains offen.

Answer
Hello Ruth,

Thank you for writing.   I am very sorry this has been a long and slow disease for your mom.  

Having pain is not uncommon for an Alzheimer's individual.   As the disease progresses, the brain tissue shrinks.   Some of the pain is from this deterioration.   Other pain areas (legs, arms, etc.) are affected because the part of the brain that controls the nerve endings in those parts of the bodies are being destroyed.    How awful for your mom!

I would suggest your mom's physician consider a routine pain medication to ease her comfort.   At this point, comfort and freedom from suffering any further would be highly suggested.

Best Regards,

Michalene Peticca, MA