
My Grandmother Has Dementia And For The Past Couple Of

investigation is required
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
the progression of dementia is usually gradual. Sudden changes in a patient's status require investigation. Anemia, disturbed electrolyte balance, impaired renal functionality, fever and other causes have to be excluded. Fever is obviously the easiest to check. A complete blood count, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, calcium, blood sugar, C-reactive protein and TSH are appropriate first-line tests to exclude a multitude of disorders that may worsen her status. Clinical examination by a doctor is important as well to exclude a vascular event (stroke).
I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.
Kind Regards,
Dr Panagiotis Zografakis,
Internal Medicine Specialist


mention that in those two days she urinated on herself 2x and today defected on herself. her inability to walk/stand is inhibiting her from getting to the bathroom as she used to and im inclined to think that the incontinence is due to that rather than rapidly declining mental status. again, all of these symptoms, i understand, are apart of the sequeale of alzheimers but my concern was with the rapid decline over two days. do you recommend an appointment with her PCP or is this something to send her to the ER for?
I'd suggest immediate assessment
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the additional information!
99F is usually not normal and may indicate a low-grade fever. The cough is in favor of a respiratory tract infection. Since her roommate had the flu, it's possible that she got the flu as well. If you're talking about influenza then this can be serious because old individuals particularly those with comorbidities (like diabetes, etc) are prone to complications. She needs an immediate assessment with clinical examination, blood tests and a rapid test for influenza and perhaps also treatment - depending on the results of the assessment. I wouldn't recommend an appointment for another day...
Best wishes!

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