Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
84 Yrs Old, Lost Appetite, Weight Loss, Become Forgetful And Confused. What's Wrong ?
Hi, My father is 84 yrs old. We just lost our mother in April. He has been doing fine except he s lost his appetite and losing weight. He has been growing a little forgetful for a few years which we attributed to his age. For the past few weeks he has become more forgetful and confused. He is even confused about what time of day it is. His hearing has become worse and he is sleepy all the time. I am really worried about him. Could someone tell me what could be wrong with him. He had a very minor accident a week before his symptoms started. He also takes a blood pressure medication , some blood thinners and aspirin all under a doctors care. He had a few heard attacks in the past. The last one was almost 20 years ago. Please help.
Fri, 19 Oct 2012
Hi
There are several issues in this
The best solution is to get him admitted and investigate.
Loss of appetite and weight loss points to some serious underlying illness - infection, malignancy and so on. The typical features are often not seen in the aged.
Forgetfulness, confusion and sleepiness may mean Alzheimer - but if it is evolving faster, one has to exclude brain lesions, generally due to reduced blood supply. History of blood pressure and accident point to possible clot or bleeding at or aound the brain
Reactive depression is expected in this setting
And so on and on - too many to be enumerated - only an examining doctor can shortlist / There are several issues in this / The best solution is to get him admitted and investigate - it is the only way to know and treat. One should not miss a treatable disease.
Take care
good luck
There are several issues in this
The best solution is to get him admitted and investigate.
Loss of appetite and weight loss points to some serious underlying illness - infection, malignancy and so on. The typical features are often not seen in the aged.
Forgetfulness, confusion and sleepiness may mean Alzheimer - but if it is evolving faster, one has to exclude brain lesions, generally due to reduced blood supply. History of blood pressure and accident point to possible clot or bleeding at or aound the brain
Reactive depression is expected in this setting
And so on and on - too many to be enumerated - only an examining doctor can shortlist / There are several issues in this / The best solution is to get him admitted and investigate - it is the only way to know and treat. One should not miss a treatable disease.
Take care
good luck
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Weight loss
Loading Online Doctors....