This week has brought about a great deal of challenge for my family and for me as a Certified Dementia Specialist. No doubt everyone has experienced something similar, but it seems my week has received a double dose of challenges.
My husband had bronchitis, my mother had two attacks of her esophagus, I got bronchitis, and my mother-in-law was admitted to our local hospital because of pneumonia. This pneumonia was not just in one lung, she had pneumonia in both lungs! About twenty-four hours after admission, her mild dementia advanced rapidly. That is when I asked for a urinalysis. As suspected, she also had a urinary tract infection.
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The process of administering antibiotics was started, and soon we saw the dementia go away. This is to remind us all how important it is to be aware of our loved one’s health. When sudden on-set symptoms of dementia occur, it is NOT Alzheimer’s. Alzheimer’s is not a disease you get overnight. Dementia, however, CAN and DOES occur very quickly. When it does, the body is screaming, “HELP! SOMETHING IS NOT RIGHT.” Listen, take action, and see improvement.
My mother-in-law will soon leave the hospital. She is feeling better physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Maybe we can all sleep through the night. Hope that gives you Something To Ponder.
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