I am perplexed. My 85-year-old MIL was ambulatory up until 6 days ago. Then suddenly she was unable to stand or put any weight on her legs. They shook uncontrollably with occasional dizziness. No other symptoms at the AL facility. She was transported to the hospital where she was diagnosed with a UTI and treated with 3 days of IV antibiotics. PT tried to get her up and could not. Doctor stated that her inability to walk was from the UTI. He said UTI and Alzheimers patients take different tolls on the body systems. She also has slept NON STOP. Only to wake up when someone addresses her. 6 days ago she was able to go to the bathroom by herself. Starting with this event 5 days ago she is completely incontinent. She cannot set her food tray up. Someone has to do it for her. No fever. CT scan and MRI scans were both unremarkable for stroke, etc. Lab tests were also unremarkable for anything that jumps out.
Has anyone ever come across a UTI that can knock a geriatric Alzheimers patient down like this?
She ended up in a wheelchair and then was completely bedridden for a long while before she died.
Some situations do seem to be a total mystery.
What has the doctor said about her condition?
Best wishes to you and your MIL. Please keep us posted on her progress.
See how things progress and if she improves w time. If not, ask for a hospice evaluation. AD is terminal and qualifies under Medicare as 100% paid for service in AL.
Fyi, most ALs will want a resident to leave and go into a SNF if they are bedridden or in very rough shape. Most ALs also will AGREE to keep a resident until death IF they have hospice coming in. This is some useful info to find out NOW before you're gobsmacked with them asking her to leave.
Best of luck to you
AL doctor says several weeks of PT, OT, Speech therapy , clearing up uti. Reevaluate.
Just occ. it is impossible to diagnose a stroke by CT--unless a hemorrhagic stroke. It sounds so much like a stroke has occurred here, especially in its suddenness.
I surely do hope that you get more answers. Has she been seen by a neurologist?