Hi again,
Is it possible that a person with dementia's cognition can decline in an accelerated fashion when they are not "at home." Reason being I had to take my Dad to the ER because he was having such a difficult day and shortness of breath etc. turns out I now know he is aspirating hid food and liquids and that set up an aspiration pneumonia. OK. So he was admitted and ever since then he has seemed increasingly confused and disoriented to the point that today they placed a sitter with him because he keeps trying to leave etc. I understand that this is dementia and is this decline possible context driven? Like if he was at home he'd be more oriented? Just trying to understand what to be extra alarmed about and what is perhaps typical when a person with dementia has to say go to the hospital etc. Sorry if this is a super naïve question and thank you all for your wisdom and reflections. <3
Things may look up upon return to a normal environment. They generally do.
While in the hospital, make sure dad has a swallow study performed to see where he stands regarding eating. Dementia can cause swallowing deficits which makes it necessary to have foods pureed and liquids thickened after a hospital stay. Its vital to get this information for dad.
Best of luck to you.