Determining Type of Dementia Becomes Less Important in Advanced Years

Dear Carol: My mother is 96. She was quite sharp into her 90s, but since then, her condition has gradually deteriorated to where she lives contently in her own little world. My brother likes everything explained in detail, so he wants Mom evaluated to determine the cause of her dementia symptoms. I’ve looked into testing, but it seems pointless for a 96-year-old, and the process would be exhausting and upset her. It’s not like there’s some magical treatment that could turn this around, so does it even matter what kind she has? – SD

Dear SD: While it’s sad that your mom’s condition has declined, it sounds like she did exceptionally well into very old age. The fact that your mom’s content is an enormous blessing, no doubt enhanced by your dedicated care. Most dementia is the result of an underlying neurodegenerative disease with Alzheimer’s…

Continue reading on Inforum for more about types of dementia and the need to test:

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