Anyone with a family member with dementia?

My Dad was admitted to a nursing home last week. He is in the advanced stages of Dementia. My Mom had taken care of him at home up to this point. Since being admitted, he's shaking uncontrollably, and falling a lot. Today he had a seizure and is in the ER as we speak. Are these common occurances at this point of Dementia??

It sounds like what my mother had. A seizure disorder can destroy brain cells, and it can easily be mistaken in older people for other forms of dementia. However, THIS FORM CAN BE STOPPED. If your father has a seizure disorder, dilantin can control the seizures fairly easily, with very little risk and minimal cost. It is always worth a try.

If your father seemed to have sharp reductions in his abilities, i.e. noticeable changes within a very short period of time (days) or after a fall, this would be an indication of a seizure disorder. Often the seizures can be caused by a lack of B vitamins, especially if your father drank alcohol, which tends to degrade them. However, there are numerous causes.

The disease is called Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. You can use this name to find more information. It might be too technical, (however, I registered as a medical professional, so the patient links might be less technical), but you should get some information from it. Here is the link.
http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/cache/-14495...

Good luck and God bless.

she died

of that i am unsure, however, it is difficult to see a family member with dementia. My grandmother lived with us and we did our best to take care of her. just remember they love you and it isnt their fault, remembering the good times helped me cope. good luck.

Dementia gets usually worsens as time goes by, To the point where the demented person no longer recognizes there own family. Your father may be sick with an infection or even pneumonia which will cause the dementia to worsen. Unfortunately it is the caregiver, in your case your mother and the rest of your immediate family that suffer the worse with this type of disease. There are support groups out there you should ask a social worker in the hospital for help in finding one. Hope your dad gets better

This has got to be one of the worst diseases to see a family member go through. It hurts and you feel hopeless. It will just keep getting worse. I am sorry for you and your mother. The best thing you can do is get him out of the Nursing Home and get him in a Hospice that is trained to take care of such. Get with your insurance and see what road is best for you. I hate Nursing Homes! A Hospice will supply you with all the mental support you need and him with dignity. Most Hospice's will also provide a place for you to take turns staying by his side. Hold his hand, talk to him. You may not think he knows but he knows you are there. When it is time tell him it is okay to let go. It will not be easy however the road goes. Be strong and know that you have no control over this disease just like he doesn't or the medical community.

I am sorry to hear what your Dad is going through. We just put my grandfather in the Nursing home with End Stage COPD and Dementia.

No seizures that we know of.

My thoughts are with your family.