Expert: Michalene Peticca - 4/6/2007

Question
My dad is 84 years old.  He has live with my brother for the past 7 years in his own home since my mother died.  He always cooked, shopped, went to church, etc.  I am one of 5 and we always talked on the phone.  Aside from some confusion telling stories of all 11 grandchildren, he lead an active life.  Last week he started complaining of many different things,  We put him in the hospital because the doctor said his sodium levels were dangerously low, 14.  Well after 8 days in the hospital, they are asking us what facility to put my father in.  He is very confused.  We are exlaining and getting nowhere that up until he went into the hospital he was doing everything.  They are running these crazy tests on him and his sodium level has gone up, but we just seem to be having trouble getting answers.  How can a person spiral downhill so fast.  Do you have any answer?

Answer
Hello Nancy,

Thank you for writing.  I am sure this is a very frustrating time for you.

Thank you for the background information on your father, that gives us a good beginning.

Because your father is 85 years old and until recently has been "normal" with aging...we all forget sometimes, don't we?!  I would strongly suggest your father's physicians search further in his physical, current condition.

Is sounds like your father is having Delirium.  Although this can mimic the same symptoms as Dementia (forgetfulness, emotional changes, eating/sleep changes, etc.)....it is Treatable and related to an underlying condition.  

Some possible reasons for Delirium in Geriatric individuals are:  Dehydration, Vitamin deficiencies, Infections, Medication allergies/overdose, possible Diabetes/Heart conditions/Renal insufficiency.  

Keep stressing more blood work, especially to check for these specific problems.  Low sodium levels may only be one reason for the sudden change in your father's condition.

The good news is that once the problem is found and treated, your father should return to his "normal" self and enjoy all those grandchildren!

P.S. Don't keep him in the hospital too long...that will "decondition" him physically...you can have him do all those blood work tests at home.  But, someone may have to be with him for a few days.

Best Regards,
Michalene Peticca M.A.