Drastic Change

[EVIE2304]

Hey I'm looking for wee bit of advice for my dad he has certainly just gotten so worse overnight. He now doesn't know how to eat with a spoon, very sleepy and unstable on his feet. He is eating and drinking, there is no left sided droop or loss in strength but all of a sudden can hardly get up off couch and doesn't even know how to communicate all of a sudden. Can dementia just change so drastic in short space of time.

 

[Izzy]

Welcome to the forum @EVIE2304.

I’m so sorry to hear about your dad. Have you had him checked for a urinary tract infection? UTIs can cause a real increase in confusion in a short space of time. My mum had them frequently and she was always much more confused when she had one.

I’m glad you’ve found DTP!

 

[try again]

When my mum's carers phoned me a couple of months ago, they were worried. I went over and she seemed very off so I phoned the ambulance . We went to the hospital and she tested positive for covid. Her O2 levels were low enough for her to be kept in overnight.
Personally, I don't think the progression is normally that quick
Have you phoned 111? Do you have a way of taking temperature? Have you any covid tests you can try?

 

[canary]

Whenever OH gets an infection - be it UTI, or when he got covid - his mobility takes a big hit and he is much more confused.

It is, unfortunately, the weekend now, otherwise I would recommend you try and get a urine sample and take it in to your GP surgery. Probably contacting 111 would be best.