HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Drowsiness And Cough In A Alzheimer's Patient?

default
Posted on Sat, 13 Sep 2014
Question: my husband is in last stage of alzheimers he was in care of hospice but they discharged becaus ehe was stable sinc ethey left i noticed some changes his stomach is quite distended and hard he is totally unresponsive sleeps alot cough at night still eats but chews forever and quite slow i dont hav eany medical backup i can call them back if chnges are drastic i dont know what to do or waht to expect he is bedridden has been for 14 months
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Special medical care is needed...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the health situation your husband is in.

You are reporting that he is in last stage of Alzheimer's. At this stage, these types of patients need a specific medical care. There is a policy of Medicare on Alzhemeir's last stage patients to provide them special medical care in hospice. If the doctors would give him less than 6 months to live. Perhaps, his stable condition did not included on the Medicare special care hospice.

Although his situation is stable, he is still bedridden, thus, need special care. If they cannot keep him in a hospice, other facilities should be used including those who are providing care for terminally ill/end-life-stage patients like your husband. You can discuss it further with his doctor.

Next, you are reporting that his stomach is dissented and hard. This is emergency to my opinion, and should send to ER. If he is eating, but the bowel movements are not normal (doesn't have bowel movement for days), then should send to hospital for further evaluations.

All the best!
Dr.Albana
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7302 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Drowsiness And Cough In A Alzheimer's Patient?

Brief Answer: Special medical care is needed... Detailed Answer: Hi, I am sorry for the health situation your husband is in. You are reporting that he is in last stage of Alzheimer's. At this stage, these types of patients need a specific medical care. There is a policy of Medicare on Alzhemeir's last stage patients to provide them special medical care in hospice. If the doctors would give him less than 6 months to live. Perhaps, his stable condition did not included on the Medicare special care hospice. Although his situation is stable, he is still bedridden, thus, need special care. If they cannot keep him in a hospice, other facilities should be used including those who are providing care for terminally ill/end-life-stage patients like your husband. You can discuss it further with his doctor. Next, you are reporting that his stomach is dissented and hard. This is emergency to my opinion, and should send to ER. If he is eating, but the bowel movements are not normal (doesn't have bowel movement for days), then should send to hospital for further evaluations. All the best! Dr.Albana