Yes - I'd always thought that it meant decline over quite a long period like years, but my mum was driving in September, not answering the phone in October, couldn't remember where she was or hold memories for more than about 5 minutes by the end of October, couldn't walk by mid November, hospitalised, then couldn't speak and died mid December.

Also meant to say - I'm sorry, it's an awful thing to happen. Look after yourself and hope for the best.

It seems very random.
Plateau for ages for some, then a rapid decline - sometimes, but not always, triggered by a fall or a UTI.
My mum has been on a very gentle decline for 6 or 7 years. Her friend started showing signs two years ago, lived alone until 8 months ago when she went into a care home where she still took part in all activities, came out with family etc. Rapid decline a month ago and she was due to move to a specialist facility but she died. So sudden.

It's such a cruel disease, but watching my mum and dad, I can see the advantage of the swift decline. My mum knows she isn't herself and she is so scared and unhappy.

I am so sorry your family is going through it too.

It's very variable. For some people the decline happens over quite a few years, for others much faster. I think the type of dementia it is can affect that, as well as other factors like shock and grief. The medical professionals may be able to tell you more when you get the MRI results and diagnosis through.
I agree with @Scarby9 that a swift decline may ultimately be the kindest thing. I would start looking at options now and get things like power of attorney in place - that should be done before a dementia diagnosis is confirmed and will help you later. Take good care of yourself as it's tough going through this with a loved one.

My DM went downhill quite rapidly after each UTI, each one took longer to go and left her more confused. In between she stayed fairly stable except for odd days where she'd be very delusional. I don't think it's the same for everyone, you can only keep a close watch on her.
It's a very hard thing to go through for you both, wishing you strength and love

It’s such a sad disease. My dad has it, diagnosed last month. Does anyone know the connection between UTIs and decline?

My MIL has it- gradual decline for around 8 years so far. For many it’s like steps downwards but some steps are interspersed with a corridor. A sharp decline then stable then sharp decline.
She’s not had any UTI’s yet though but is only early 70’s still

I think it also depends on the type of dementia.

Early onset Alzheimer's tends to be a faster decline than old age related dementia, but is still a fairly linear decline. Vascular dementia is really quite swift, and is marked by sharp declines and plateaus. My father has early onset and has developed vascular so we're on a really quite terrifying journey. This is how his consultant explained to us what would happen.

It really depends on the type of dementia and lots of factors like sex, how early it has been diagnosed, the general health and mental health of the person etc.

Vascular dementia for example can often plateau for quite sometime but then there will be a steep decline and then another plateau.

Alzheimer's disease is generally (but not always) more steadily progressive.

Men are more likely to get some types of dementia than women (e.g. Lewy Body) and diet, nutrition and alcohol and early intervention with medications can all have an impact.

Hi OP. It can decline very quickly, a lot more slowly or in steps, where you notice a change, things stabilise for a while (can be months/years) before another change. Been through it with DM, DF and now my DFIL. Also seen friends parents. Depends on type of dementia plus other health and life factors. Actual progress is unique to the individual. Sorry to hear you're dealing with this. It is an awful thing to see .

I have had both parents with Dementia. My Mum had mild symptoms but because of another disease, it developed very quickly. However, my father has mixed dementia, Alzheimers & Vascular. His decline has been much slower.

What I will say is you need to do your own research. The medication prescribed definitely helps. Diet, exercise and supplementation make a huge difference and this will not be something doctors will even discuss with you. There is a ton of content where people have lessened their own symptoms through these good practices.

I’m sorry about your mother, op.
As pps have said it’s a cruel disease.
My mother had it and the first symptoms were a change in character from being the most lovely, easy going, empathetic person to a rude and intolerant one.
She lived for about 4 years and by the end recognised no one and needed full time care.
These days we can be kept alive longer but not necessarily with a good quality of life.

My mum's rapidly accelerated after my sister got ill and died very quickly. Before that if I look back I can see signs then she wasn't quite right which was obviously the start of her dementia. She was diagnosed four years ago with mixed dementia Alzheimer's and vascular. It's a bloody horrendous disease and I just wish she could slip away peacefully. Every week that I see her my heart breaks.

There's more than one type of dementia, some are slow downhill other types can be rapid onset. Try to just wait for your specialist and get professional advice then once you have a diagnosis someone here might be able to help with the specific kind - I've dealt with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia personally

Very variable from one person to the next but in my experience if the onset is quite rapid then ongoing decline also tends to be faster than the norm

@Mincepiesallyearround, UTI's can cause confusion in the elderly without d

The alzheimers society have a very good website with lots of information and a chat forum which is really helpful.
UTIs in elderly people causes delirium which is a sudden onset confusion that can really affect the person for quite a long time.
Often called acute on chronic confusion in people that already have a dementia.

Sorry posted too soon. UTI's can cause confusion in the elderly without Dementia, my DM would end up in hospital with them and it would take 2 or 3 weeks to clear them. Being away from her "safe and known" spaces just threw her completely.

@orangetriangle That's really good that when your DM was in hospital things improved. Hope she is settled at home again now.

My mum was diagnosed 3.5 years ago with Altzheimers and vascular dementia. We had 3 really good years where the drugs she was on helped her moods so much that she was a much easier person to be with than she had been at times in the past. She was definitely enjoying life a lot over this period.

Things have gone down hill more rapidly over the past 3 months. But she needs her medication reviewing so that may help a lot.

I have found Mumsnet so helpful as it feels quite difficult to find out answers to questions sometimes otherwise. Also please look after yourself too.