Dementia Support Group

Doesn't anyone have any experience they can share?
Its a very hard subject, but it is inevitable. What should I prepare myself for?

As a nurse and caregiver to my husband who has dementia I have more than the average level of knowledge on the subject. Your mother will eventually stop eating and lose the ablity to walk. These two events will lead her to develop pneumonia or another infection. The pneumonia or other infection (urinary tract infection is another common reason) will cause her death because her body cannot fight off the infections. It is a gentle way to go but a horrible way to get there. Infections are the cause of most people who die of dementia. Families will choose not to treat the infections and allow nature to take its course. I am so sorry about your mother and I hope you have support to deal with what will come down the road.

As a nurse and caregiver to my husband who has dementia I have more than the average level of knowledge on the subject. Your mother will eventually stop eating and lose the ablity to walk. These two events will lead her to develop pneumonia or another infection. The pneumonia or other infection (urinary tract infection is another common reason) will cause her death because her body cannot fight off the infections. It is a gentle way to go but a horrible way to get there. Infections are the cause of most people who die of dementia. Families will choose not to treat the infections and allow nature to take its course. I am so sorry about your mother and I hope you have support to deal with what will come down the road.

As a nurse and caregiver to my husband who has dementia I have more than the average level of knowledge on the subject. Your mother will eventually stop eating and lose the ablity to walk. These two events will lead her to develop pneumonia or another infection. The pneumonia or other infection (urinary tract infection is another common reason) will cause her death because her body cannot fight off the infections. It is a gentle way to go but a horrible way to get there. Infections are the cause of most people who die of dementia. Families will choose not to treat the infections and allow nature to take its course. I am so sorry about your mother and I hope you have support to deal with what will come down the road.

I was a nursing student (an old one!) at the end of my 3rd year when mom's marbles trully started to fall. It took 3 hospitals to finnaly diagnose & treat her...alas...it all occurred at the worst possible time as my father passed away also. Needless to say, nursing school never was finished. Anyway, as mom's 24/7 caregiver now, I see the changes happening, and was desperate to hear from someone what to eventually expect. I am an EMT and believe in telling the truth when needed. Sugar coating things is never good. Your answer was wonderful and to the point. I deeply appreciate it. I have had way too many suprise these past 3 years....whatever event I can prepare for is best. What a lousy disease, I often wonder which is worse, losing a limb or your mind?
I am so sorry you are also going through these circumstances. BLess the Nurses! (EMT's too)...best wishes and thank you for being truthfull. Not one doctor has really explained any of the future to me. I just get this funny look on their face, and they just say "it gets worse"...
Again...thank You.....write me anytime!

You've been given a clear answer, but if you need more information you can get it at the Alzheimer's Association. They frequently advertise here on the Google sidebar.

Although they are called the Alzheimer's Association, the information they provide is for all kinds of dementia.

Tooyoung's reply was right on the mark. I lost my husband to dementia almost 8 months ago. In the end he had multiple heath problems arise and then pneumonia which I chose not to have treated.
I got so much helpful information from the Alzheimer's Ass and attended support group meetings. I also took advantage of their 24 hr hot line when things got really bad. I could reach out and talk to somebody who understood anytime I needed to.
And in the end Hospice was invaluable. Please contact Hospice even though your mother is not yet near death. She does have a terminal illness and the more you know the better off you will be.
I'm so sorry you're going through this.

Also, It might be helpful for you to read my journal entries starting about August 21, 2007. My husband died August 31 and you can get an idea of what you might expect in the final days.

there is a good book The 36 hour day. that helped me a lot. hope you can get it and read it it answers many ????

you have all been wonderful!
I have lots to write, but am in the middle of care today.....I'll be back on tonight....
Keep the faith all....we got eachother!!