Question:
My mother (age 97...yes she is 97 to be 98 in July) has had dementia for thelast several years, and now the doctor feels it is alzheimers. She has hadsome myoclonic seizures (periodic jerking of her legs or arms) which she isnow taking medication for. She appears to be in stage 3, but that's only aguess. She is not talking much, and has trouble swallowing. She is alsosleeping a lot (goes into a deep sleep). Can anyone tell me about thisstage? How long do most people live once they reach the point of havingdifficulty in swallowing. She still recognizes me (her daughter) and knowsmy name. At present, she is in the hospital and we are looking for anursing home for her to go to. Any help and information ???

Answer: Stage 3: Early Dementia (person is very dependent on the caregiver,victim should not drive, memory gaps trigger insecurity and defensivebehaviour, emotional reactions become more prominent, memory deficitsprogress but may seem to fluctuate, logical sequential reasoning andactions diminish (i.e. dressing), simple decisions becomeoverwhelming, social withdrawal is accompanied by impaired thinkingcapacity.

Stage 4: Middle Dementia (victim reacts more severely to loss ofabilities, sleep disturbances may emerge, repetitive behaviour,movement and coordination difficulties, help with daily activities androutine becomes essential, catastrophic reactions may happen (personbecomes very upset and even violent when frustrated or if too manydemands are made) bathing problems emerge (the person may be afraid ofbathing and requires complete supervision), loss of touch with eventsand experiences, caregiver usually must hire help or place the victimin an institution.

Stage 5: Late Dementia (less of everything - motor abilitiesdeteriorate, ability to walk, talk, sit, smile, bladder and bowelcontrol, eating difficulties, ability to recognize people, personsleeps a lot etc. etc. )