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What Does Unintentional Weight Loss Indicate?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Sep 2016
Question: My father started losing weight about 90-120 days ago unintentionally. He had a disagreement with a friend and sunk into depression about 3-4 weeks ago. He went to bed for a week and completely lost his appetite. Two weeks ago he seemed okay except for the lack of appetite and not eating. Now he cannot walk without assistance, he doesn't even recognize his children, he cannot control his bowels or kidneys, he can only eat baby food or liquids, and he can barely speak . He is 90 years old and he was is great mental and physical condition with an active social life until this all started to happen. The doctor said it is Alzheimer's, but I know it does not come nor progress so rapidly. So what is it? How can you go from hardy to this state in two weeks? Thanks for your help.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Additional conditions may speed up the decline.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your question and understand your concerns.

It is true that Alzheimer's is a slowly progressing condition.

However, there are other conditions and factors that may speed up the decline, these include:

- thyroid gland dysfunction

- depression

- infections ( urinary tract infections, pneumonia etc.)

- low vitamin B12 levels in blood

- social changes

- additional neurological disorders such as stroke etc.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Greetings.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho

Neurologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4501 Questions

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What Does Unintentional Weight Loss Indicate?

Brief Answer: Additional conditions may speed up the decline. Detailed Answer: Hello and thanks for using HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. It is true that Alzheimer's is a slowly progressing condition. However, there are other conditions and factors that may speed up the decline, these include: - thyroid gland dysfunction - depression - infections ( urinary tract infections, pneumonia etc.) - low vitamin B12 levels in blood - social changes - additional neurological disorders such as stroke etc. Hope you found the answer helpful. Let me know if I can assist you further. Greetings.