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What Causes Fluid Discharge And Swelling In Legs While Having Dementia?
My 99 year old Mother just today has begun to have leaking in her legs. She has dementia and lives in a Memory Care near where I live. Her ankles have been swelling, but we have been keeping her legs elevated as much as possible. It is quite late here and Mom has been in bed for hours and is being monitored. Do you think we should take her to a hospital tonight or wait until morning to see how she is doing?
Fri, 6 May 2016
Hello,
I can understand your concern. There could be many reasons which may cause swollen legs and leakage from swellings. You will have to take your mother to physician for examination and further investigations to reach to the root of the problem. However, I can guide you through tonight for symptoms to watch that can indicate requirement of immediate care. Otherwise it is okay to wait till the morning.
Swelling in the ankle could be due to as simple reason as old age or obesity or can be as serious as uncontrolled liver or kidney disease or cardiac failure. If you mother starts to feel short of breath or complains of chest pain, it is an emergency and please do not wait till morning. In addition, if your mother is already suffering from liver or kidney disease, if the food becomes red and hot to touch or if she develops fever, then also you can consider seeking immediate care as it may be a sign of deteriorating health.
If she is comfortable otherwise, you can wait till the morning to seek examination by a doctor.
I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. I wish your mother feels better soon!
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
I can understand your concern. There could be many reasons which may cause swollen legs and leakage from swellings. You will have to take your mother to physician for examination and further investigations to reach to the root of the problem. However, I can guide you through tonight for symptoms to watch that can indicate requirement of immediate care. Otherwise it is okay to wait till the morning.
Swelling in the ankle could be due to as simple reason as old age or obesity or can be as serious as uncontrolled liver or kidney disease or cardiac failure. If you mother starts to feel short of breath or complains of chest pain, it is an emergency and please do not wait till morning. In addition, if your mother is already suffering from liver or kidney disease, if the food becomes red and hot to touch or if she develops fever, then also you can consider seeking immediate care as it may be a sign of deteriorating health.
If she is comfortable otherwise, you can wait till the morning to seek examination by a doctor.
I hope this information helps. Thank you for choosing HealthcareMagic. I wish your mother feels better soon!
Best,
Dr. Viraj Shah
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