Hi everyone, I'm caring for my mother-in-law with vascular dementia. Recently we noticed that she started mumbling more so understanding her is a challenge. She's also started to close her eyes & talk in bed or sitting down.
We read that speech is an issue in advanced stage dementia but she's eating well, no issues with swallowing.
Wonder if anyone can shed light on what these changes mean?
As the decline progresses muscles that are not "important" are not used to conserve energy for the muscles that are important like the heart, the diaphragm that helps the lungs work.
You may also notice at some point that she will "slump" or slide to one side or another or lean forward. When that happens she is losing "trunk support" and you can prop her up using pillows or wedges. When she needs it a Tilt Back wheelchair helps in preventing the slumping forward. (also help prevent trying to get out of the wheelchair)
My Husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's but I suspect he also had Vascular Dementia. With the Vascular Dementia declines happened rapidly at times. He went from walking one day to the next day not being able to walk. there were other rapid declines but that was the most radical.
Your MIL may one day have no problems eating or drinking but the next she may choke on food or liquids so if I were you I would get a container of Thick It or other thickening product and keep it handy just in case you need it.
If you have not thought about Hospice you might want to have her evaluated. the help, encouragement, education as well as all the supplies, medications, equipment that get delivered is great. And you will have a Nurse that will come at least 1 time a week and a CNA that will come at least 2 times a week to help give a bath or shower and order supplies. Hospice does not mean 6 months or fewer. My Husband was on Hospice for almost 3 years! I could not have done what I did if it were not for the Hospice Team.