Alzheimer's overnight is this possible?

[justasking111]

www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4628953-ae-30-hours?reply=119941096

Following on from another thread. We're stunned today that our neighbour a week ago was fine following hospital admission and MRI scans which were all clear. They're now trying to discharge him with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. We really thought it was a slow decline rather than a bolt from the blue

Dementia can go incredibly fast. There were likely some signs before but it can progress incredibly rapidly. A relative had caused concern for a few months but there was nothing concrete. The mental health team came out and assessed them, they pretty much passed the test then later that night called me and was talking utter gibberish. They were admitted to hospital 2 days later, had every test known to man. Spent a week in the hospital. 2 weeks or so in rehabilitation then were admitted to a care home and have been there since.

DM was diagnosed with vascular dementia following a sudden stroke after having mild covid. She'd had no memory issues prior to the stroke, but we do wonder if there's a link between postcovid blood clots and stroke/vascular dementia

They've categorical ruled out a stroke from the MRI. Don't know how you measure vascular issues

Have they been on a drip whilst they were in the hospital?

I would be concerned about dehydration. They are on diuretics, they have some fluid retention, and dehydration can appear very very like dementia in the elderly

I work in a care of the elderly ward and unfortunately yes it can become bad very quickly. But there might have been small things before that you didnt notice.

If they are on a ward they will be being monitored for other things that cause delirium such as infection, dehydration, malnutrition etc or just other psychiatric illness but unfortunately dementia can come on very quickly

Anecdotally I've noticed the hospital setting to prompt/ speed up mental decline.

I think it is probably due to the following factors:

• loss of daily routine,
• boredom,
• lack of mobility,
• lack of communication,
• not having things explained properly/ not understanding in enough detail what is said
• others disrupting your thoughts
• random and loud noises
• unrestful sleep.

It's very likely he was masking the issues. There is often a tipping point where it falls apart, so seems like a sudden decline.

So coming home would be for the best. Her friend said today that he was bed blocking so he should come home which I thought a bit awful