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what is the prognosis with advanced infarction dementia if my dad has had it a few years undiagnosed?

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In my experience, it continues to get worse. This dementia is usually caused many mini-strokes or a major stroke. My uncle had this type of dementia. He continued to decline until his body just gave up. I don't know of any major advances in the medical field that can reverse this kind of dementia.

Antioxidants (highly absorbably ones) can help general health, and may brighten his life in that he'll feel better. However, that doesn't mean that the damage is reversed. You could check into studies if you live near a teaching hospital or medical university, however, there are no guarantees there, either. Keep in touch. We'd like to hear how you are doing.
Carol
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thankyou carol that was very good information.its very hard having this diagnosed
and it seems like within a week he's changed(not for the best).
cindy
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It's possible he's having more mini-strokes. These are not always easily detected, but if the change is that fast, it makes sense. I wish I could say he'll get better, but it's not likely, as this point.

Do what you need to do to take care of yourself, too.
Carol
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My mother has severe dementia and has almost progressed to needing a feeding tube. I would like to hear from anyone who has been thru this process and would they recommend it or would they do it differently.
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This situation points out the vital need to get a health directive drawn up early on, when people can make decisions for themselves.

Did your mother have a health directive drawn up? Did your family talk with her about her wishes when she was still able to make decisions?

As someone declines and works toward death, the body naturally "decides" when it doesn't want food. Stopping eating is a sign of this. So then, the decision becomes a highly personal one - did she want tube feeding or not (when she was able to decide this, knowing she would likely get to this point)?

If no one knows how she felt about this, it becomes much more difficult to make such a decision. Do you have siblings with whom you can discuss this? Do you have a spiritual advisor?

I would make a call to your local hospice immediately. They will be able to help you see options and help you get through this. They know how to keep her comfortable, regardless of your choices about feeding.

Keep in touch. This is a tough time for you and talking about it may help.
Take care,
Carol
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My father-in-law is at the point where they are asking us about a feeding tube. I think we should not do this but his daughter "hates to see him starve to death". How do I answer this?
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Again, I'd talk with hospice. The experts I've talked with say the body does not want food at that point and forcing food, in any form, on their bodies, when they don't want food, is counterproductive. We are hungry, as our digestive system and the rest of our body works, so we think they are starving.

They are not, as their body is shutting down, and that is nature's way. The can't digest food, so they are not hungry. Again, I would suggest hospice, as they are experts at explaining these things. They have the medial people and the spiritual people (should you want that). They are used to answering just the questions you and your wife are asking. Please call them and get their help, so your wife doesn't continue to agonize.

Take care,
Carol
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