Monday, June 11, 2012 Theresa Green asks

Q: My Mom is in the last stage of dementia and has started with mutiple organ failure. How long does s

My Mom is in the last stage of dementia and has started with mutiple organ failure. She has great difficulty swallowing and most of the time it is liquids that she takes. Mom also has a severe case of COPD. How long does she have to live? I should inform you that she is 87 years ols, has been bed-ridden for 3 years now, her muscles and brain have atrophied. She cannot turn over in the bed nor move her legs. She is down to very limited speech. Usually one word answers and sleeping about 18-20 hours a day.

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Answers (6)

Christine Kennard, Health Pro

6/11/12 2:30pm

Hi Theresa

The only person who can give you any sort of idea how long your mother has is her doctor. He/she will be able to help you mentally prepare for her death and help you make decisions on her nursing and medical care.

If your mother has multiple organ failure, severe COPD and has difficulty swallowing then it does sound as though she is near the end of her life.

I am sorry I cannot be of more help. Do speak to her doctor. I am sure it will help you through this difficult and emotional time.

All my best wishes to you and your family

Christine

6/11/12 4:13pm

Theresa,

I am so sorry that your Mom will not have a long time left... Is she in hospice? The doctor should be able to answer you this question. It seems like she is still drinking... I am not sure if she will have other episodes later on since she is very sick now. But if she is to stop eating, then it may take weeks or a month for her to survive without feeding tube. It is up to the family about inserting the feeding tube. She may still die from other conditions.

If she is in hospice, then the nurse and doctor should be able to discuss this with you.

Take care,

Carol Bradley Bursack, Health Guide

6/12/12 7:02am

Hi Theresa,

I'm sorry about what you and your mom are going through. I watched my mom go through gradual organ failure, as well, and it's a tough experience for the caregiver to endure. We always wonder if we made the right decisions.

If your mom is on hospice care, they will advise you. Please talk with the doctor for an estimate on how long she will live. Doctors can't be sure either, but they are the best source.

In my mind, once this stage has been reached, the care is all about comfort rather than trying to "save" them for a few more days of misery. Comfort care has come a long way. Please do talk with the doctor about how to keep your mom comfortable. It can be done.

Blessings and sympathy,

Carol

AFA Social Services, Health Guide

6/12/12 9:58am

How much longer your mother has to live is a question best answered by her physician, though even then, it would likely be an approximation. Every case of Alzheimer’s disease progresses differently. At this time, the best thing you can do is keep your mother safe and comfortable, offering her your time and attention. If you talk to her and she doesn’t respond, talk anyway. The sound of your voice may be soothing. If you try to hold her hand but she doesn’t grip back, keep holding. Your warmth and touch can be really comforting. If she doesn’t remember your name or who you are, spend time with her anyway. Your presence can still mean a lot to her.

6/12/12 3:09pm

My FIL is in severe stage. We did ask the residential care director who is also a nurse about the time. His answer is political and ambigious. Basically he said it may take 8 to 10 years since the diagnosis of Alzheimer's. That is, the person woulod die 10 years later after the diagnosis. The problem is my FIL was not diagnosed earlier. He was diagnosed only in moderate stage.

In general the doctor is not willing to tell you how long unless it is imminent. My nephew who is a GP does not like to do that. No one is god and cannot predict how long. My FIL's former home care nurse tried to predict his death 3 times in a row. Well, the predictions went wrong. So she was not right either although she said that according to her experience.

Just spend more time with her to cherish the moments and when the time comes, you would be grateful that you are there for her.

Hugs,

Dorian Martin, Health Guide

6/15/12 1:27pm

Hi, Theresa,

I agree with what everyone's said. My mom also had both Alzheimer's and COPD. She basically went really fast once her lungs started giving out. (She had been hospitalized for problems the week before). My suggestion to you is to spend as much time with her as you can and -- if you haven't already -- say everything you want to say to her now. And you'll feel better knowing that you had a chance to say everything and to say a final goodbye. You may think she can't hear you, but I really believe she can sense you. And definitely take care of yourself during this stressful time!

Dorian

Q: My Mom is in the last stage of dementia and has started with mutiple organ failure. How long does s

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