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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Had Stroke, Brain Bleed, Vascular Dementia, Immense Confusion, Memory Issues. Done Blood Tests. What Can Help Improve Condition?

Hi. My mom just died a few weeks ago, age 91. She was fairly healthy until that time. She had a brain bleed (stroke) and died 12 days later. My dad is in a nursing home and has vascular dementia. At this point, he is very cognizant of Mom dying, very lonely, etc. His dementia manifests mostly in slow processing, confusion as to recent events with Mom, (thought she'd lived in his room; she hadn't). He knows/recognizes people/events of years past. He brightens considerably when a former student/teacher shows up (he was a superintendent of schools). His heartbreak is what is the worst thing right now. He gets most confused as to current happenings...what day is it, who is the man in his room, (roommate...been there since Dad moved there in early May). He has not lost his incredible sense of humor. Will his dementia likely progress more quickly now that Mom has died? His heart and lungs are great. His dr. said once he had the labs (bloodwork) of a 20-something. This actually depresses me, b/c will he live a long time but lose what's left of his memory? Thank you for your time.
Sat, 19 Oct 2013
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Neurologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Thank you for posting your query.

It is really unfortunate that you lost your mom due to brain hemorrhage and now, your father has dementia and depression.

I agree that the dementia may progress more when one is depressed or under stress. Your father is under stress and is probably depressed after losing his wife. This needs to be diagnosed and treated. An evaluation by a psychologist/psychiatrist would be helpful. He may require anti depressant medications such as escitalopram.

Also, dementia progresses more when one is lonely. So, it is important to keep him in company of others (friends or relatives).

In dementia, people tend to remember the long term events, it is the short term and recent memory, which is the problem.

I hope it helps.

Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
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Had Stroke, Brain Bleed, Vascular Dementia, Immense Confusion, Memory Issues. Done Blood Tests. What Can Help Improve Condition?

Hi, Thank you for posting your query. It is really unfortunate that you lost your mom due to brain hemorrhage and now, your father has dementia and depression. I agree that the dementia may progress more when one is depressed or under stress. Your father is under stress and is probably depressed after losing his wife. This needs to be diagnosed and treated. An evaluation by a psychologist/psychiatrist would be helpful. He may require anti depressant medications such as escitalopram. Also, dementia progresses more when one is lonely. So, it is important to keep him in company of others (friends or relatives). In dementia, people tend to remember the long term events, it is the short term and recent memory, which is the problem. I hope it helps. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) Senior Consultant Neurologist