Does anyone have experience with rapidly progressing dementia (RPD)?
I'm not having a good day handling things... Mom has rapidly progressive dementia +plus. She was Only just diagnosed in June. She is new to a memory neighborhood after spending about a month in the geri-psych dept of our local hospital (which actually had stellar support and drs). Previously she was in assisted living. Mom is in stage 6 Moderately Severe Dementia. This is the information I am using as a guideline for myself - https://www.health.com/condition/alzheimers/how-alzheimers-disease-progresses. My question is - Does a person have to show/be all of the symptoms to be in a stage? Does anyone have experience with RPD? Mom is 79 as far as I know she still bathes, dresses and feeds herself. Also, per the RNs & staff of her memory unit we were told to not visit to allow her to settle in; as mom is still agitated often, still wants to leave to be with her family. I get the reasoning per staff, but it is really difficult to stay away a week at a time. But that said it does alleviate a great deal of mental stress for me. I'm torn with not seeing her 2-3 times a week because I feel she doesn't have much time left. I understand she needs to get into the rhythm of the neighborhood (Teepa Snow is awesome!) Any idea ...loosely how much time my mother may have. I understand everyone's different...TIA 😀
Hi @kurecz,
I think the guidelines are just that, more like a collection of behaviors that can happen across a range of people, not everyone will exhibit all of them.
If you want to see your mom more often, don't let them dictate how often you can. They are there to care for her in the way that is best for both your mom and your family, not in the way that makes it easier for them to care for her.
Having said that, if it is giving you a break and lessens your stress, It's okay to have a little more distance some days. You are the best gauge of what is best for you both.
As for how long she might have, that too can vary, especially with rapidly progressive dementia. Have you asked her doctor where he believes her to be?
Sending (((hugs))), light and positive energy your way -Donna (Team member)
