In a matter of months, my mom has gone from living at home showing signs of mild dementia to living in a nursing home to a doctor recommending we put her in hospice for advanced dementia. We had to put her in a nursing home because she was an invalid and my dad with Alzheimer's could not longer take care of her or himself.
Can dementia progress that rapidly?
For my Mom, apparently she was falling but not telling me, only times I knew of a fall was when my Dad called me saying Mom fell and he can't get her up. Two falls two weeks apart, each time she hit her head hard, right after the second fall she went immediately into final stage dementia. Prior to the falls, her memory was doing good for someone also in their 90's. My parents were living on their own as Mom refused outside help.
So I believe any time there is a major health issue, be it a UTI, a bad cold, or anything else, that can take a toll on one's body and mind.
Very interested in hearing from you more here...I've learned so much from others experiences and feedback given from those who have been there and done that!!
Wishing you the best janet4834!!💜
All dementias progress differently in each person, but this rapid decompensation makes me wonder about (pardon, I may have the letters wrong) HPB (I THINK) it is a form of pressure in the brain, and I think it is relieved by a spinal tap to drain a bit of fluid.
I hate to sound so ignorant, but it has been over a decade since I looked into it, but I am sure a quick google search will lead you to the information.
Make sure you get a second opinion - and fast!