Expert: Paula Damgaard - 1/14/2005

Question
My father (76 yrs. old) was diagnosed with dementia around May 2002 and later Alzheimer's in February 2003.  In May 2004, he wanted to run out to the street and kill himself and thus, he was taken to the hospital emergency room.  There, he was given Halodol and since then, he has declined deeper into the disease (he no longer knows who anybody is).  He has been in a nursing home, one which has an Alzheimer's floor, since the Halodol incident.  He is on Atenolol (heart medication), Exelon and Seroquel - perhaps other meds as well, I don't have the latest meds he is on.  
My father has always had touble sitting still, but now, he is constantly needing to walk.  We have 24 hour help with him, as he walks all the time (he does sleep a bit at night) and if not assisted, he tends to fall down.  What's with the constant need to walk?  He can't even sit for 5 minutes!
Our family was told in August that my father has liver cancer.  The doctor at the nursing home said that he would probably pass away within twelve months and that it was most likely best to let him go without doing further tests, as the tests would involve moving him to a hospital and it would mean further stress on him.  We were told that a blood test taken from him revealed cancer.  How accurate is a blood test to determine cancer - liver cancer, for that matter?
I'm not at all happy with the care at this facility and all my mother says is; "I can't deal with all this - it's too surreal.  I can't believe this is happening."
Any personal views of yours would be appreciated.
Virginia (daughter)

Answer
Hi Virginia, There is a lot here in your letter.  First without seeing his records and knowing what exactly they did I can't what they found.  There are blood tests which can detect cancer.  

Alzheimer's patients do walk.  They do get tired but they don't know that they are tired so they don't rest.  They don't sleep very well.  A few minute cat nap can give them enough energy to walk again for hours.  

My suggestion to you is to gather all of his records and bring them to a specialist and ask his opinion.  I would try to prevent your mother from having to go thru all this she probably can't deal with it.  This to her is truly a nightmare.  

I hope you find some answers.  If he does indeed have liver cancer he will die soon.  It will probably be a blessing for him.  Living to the end of AD is not good.  it will be a blessing for your mom to.  She is going thru this also.

Good luck!  Let me know how it goes.  Paula