Expert: Paula Damgaard - 5/25/2007

Question
My dad is in excellent health except for a diagnosis of Alzheimer's at age 58.  At age 65, he is in stage 7 with all elements of the stage except for he is quite mobile and eats well when hand fed.  What is the life expectancy of someone with this history?  Also, because of his strength and lack of any control of his actions, nursing homes (and my mom) have trouble handling him.  Drugs just make him a sloppy wandering mess.  What options do caregivers have.  Long Term care insurance just takes care of basic nursing home expenses.

Answer
Hi Jennifer, sorry for the delay, I have been away and somehow "Experts" did pick up on my away message.  

I wish I could tell you there are lots of options, but unfortunately there are not.  You are right the drugs to make him easier to handle do make him a "sloppy wandering mess".  You have to medicate him until he just about falls off the edge and then back up the dose until he is "manageable."  

Usually the younger they are the less life span they have, but this does depend on how the family "treats" him.  When you give him antibiotics, you are in a sense rescuing him.  Infections are what takes down his immune system which will eventually lead to his demise.  Pneumonia used to be the old people's friend but then they developed all these high powered antibiotics, which cure them but doesn't give them quality of life, just quantity and that. at least to me is not worth it.  

As far as places to put him, these are limited as well.  Alzheimer's units, only let people stay there until they are no longer able to take care of themselves, which to me is ridiculous since that is EXACTLY what is going to happen to each and everyone of them!  And they are the places that say people with AD should not be moved as it is very disorienting to them!  Go figure.  

I am sorry, I don't have a lot of answers to you.  I am not sure what drugs your dad has been on, but perhaps there is a geriatric psychiatrist in your area who could better manage his medicines and make it easier for your mom.  Good luck Paula