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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Remedy For Refusal To Take Shower As A Part Of Memory Loss

MY MOM IS 82 AND HAS SHORT TERM MEMORY LOSS AND PROBABLY ALTZEIMERS SHE DOESN;T DO DOCTORS WELL THE FOOT DOCTOR AND ONCE EVERY 2 YEARS SHE'LL GO TO HER REGULAR DOCTOR. ANYWAY HER ATTITUDE IS I LIVED MY LIFE AND NOW I STAY AT HOME AND DO NOTHING BUT WATCH TV..MY QUESTION IS SHE NEVER WANTS TO TAKE A SHOWER IT'S ONCE A MONTH IF IM LUCKY SO I TOLD HER ITS NOT HEALTHY NOT TOO TAKE A SHOWER.WHAT CAN HAPPEN IF SHE DOESN'T.THANKS
Fri, 28 Nov 2014
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Inability to do the activities of daily living, such as maintaining hygiene, can be a sign of advanced dementia. I would also be concerned she is not taking proper care of herself in other areas, such as eating, preparing food, maintaining a safe environment, etc. If she is living by herself and particularly if she is still driving and shopping for herself, I would be very concerned. Not maintaining proper hygiene can increase her risk for infection. It might be best to get her evaluated by a doctor to assess her degree of dementia and then arrange some kind of assistance for her so she is getting the care she needs to stay healthy. Hope this helps.
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Suggest Remedy For Refusal To Take Shower As A Part Of Memory Loss

Inability to do the activities of daily living, such as maintaining hygiene, can be a sign of advanced dementia. I would also be concerned she is not taking proper care of herself in other areas, such as eating, preparing food, maintaining a safe environment, etc. If she is living by herself and particularly if she is still driving and shopping for herself, I would be very concerned. Not maintaining proper hygiene can increase her risk for infection. It might be best to get her evaluated by a doctor to assess her degree of dementia and then arrange some kind of assistance for her so she is getting the care she needs to stay healthy. Hope this helps.