Can EOL really happen this suddenly?

[zomum]

Hello.
A month ago Dad was pottering in the garden, watching the cricket and and enjoying a normal diet and now he is in hospital not eating or drinking, sleeping all the time and semi delirious, talking about my dead mum as if she was still alive. There is nothing medically wrong with him - it seems that the dementia (he has Alzheimer's and vascular) has advanced dramatically. We are waiting for a care package to be put in place but I'm beginning to thing he won't make it home.
Has anyone had a similar experience? Can the end really be this abrupt?

 

[Bunpoots]

Hi @zomum

Yes it can be, it was with my dad but my mum, after a similar dramatic change, picked up a little and lasted for another 18 months of slow and painful decline.

To be honest I preferred my dad’s quick departure.

 

[nitram]

Vascular dementia can advance in sudden steps rather than slower progression.
He could stay at his current level for some time, you could ask the medics but I doubt they will be able to help.

 

[zomum]

Thank you both for replying.
I've noticed Dad's deterioration tends to be in stages. I wonder if he hasn't had some mini strokes too.
Doctors have been very unhelpful regarding the dementia and his prognosis.
This is so tough. My heart goes out to everyone whose loved ones get this terrible disease.

 

[Quite contrary]

My sister-in-law had vascular dementia and went downhill very rapidly. Apparently, she was having multiple min strokes.