It seems my 81 yr old mother has come to a plateau. It really seemed as if we were beginning to lose as she was getting lost and getting very wobbly on her feet. She had an emergency room visit after a fall and they managed to do all kinds of tests on her (she resists going to the doctor on a regular basis). Turned out she had a urinary tract infection. Prior to this she had been formally diagnosed with mild Alzheimer's. Since clearing her infection, and getting her moved into the apartment right next door to mine she seems to be doing amazingly well. She did live in my apt for about a month, with my two kids and myself and that was a bit nutty. Now, on her own, she is doing so well I am really quite surprised. Would love to hear more stories like this. In general, I do think the UTI had a strong impact on her mental/emotional state, and her equilibrium. I would also add, that since living with me/closer to me her diet has improved immensely. It's amazing though. She by no means can do everything, but it is a marked "improvement". Thanks for reading!
I don't know if people truly "plateau" with Alzheimer's (someone else will have to respond to that question), but I think some of the Alzheimer's drug (Aricept, Namenda) are supposed to slow the progression of the disease so there is the perception of a plateau. I have learned to be thankful for "uneventful days" when my mother is thinking more clearly, eating better, happier, etc. It sounds as if your Mother is enjoying some "uneventful days" in her apartment near you. What a blessing!
In your case, LauraAnne, the main "something else" was a UTI. That is notorious for making everything worse. Clear it up, and lots of things are significantly better! Another "something else" that you appear to have handled is poor nutrition. If that was contributing to your mother's weakness then she is going to be stronger now. And removing her from a chaotic "nutty" environment can help reduce confusion.
Dementia cannot be cured at this time. But there are many way that symptoms can be treated. In some kinds of dementia some drugs are very effective for specific symptoms. But drugs aren't the only possible treatments. Treating UTIs and other illnesses promptly, providing good nutrition at regular times, providing a soothing environment, providing social contact, encouraging exercise, providing mental stimulation at a suitable level -- all these things and more can have an impact on the quality of life of the dementia sufferer.
There is no cure. Many doctors throw up their hands and say, in effect, good bye and good luck. But it isn't hopeless. There are things that can be done to improve quality of life. Dementia is going to win in the end, but we don't have to surrender while there are still things we can do.
LauraAnne, rejoice in your mother's improvements. Enjoy them while they last. And feel proud and grateful for your role in the quality of her life.