Jan 30 2009
Dementia: you need to know this
Yesterday the question was asked, “Can you die because of dementia?”
The answer is yes.
As these diseases advance, even simple automatic body functions no longer work right.
For many with late stage dementia, the simple act of eating is a problem. People with dementia can forget how to chew food, and even worse they can forget to how to swallow the food.
Of course, the family can always elect to insert a G-tube(Nutrition going straight into their stomach)
But why would you want to do that? At that point their quality of life is so poor.
No cure is going to come fast enough to help these folks.
You can see why these diseases are so difficult on family and friends.
What would you do if your loved one needed a feeding tube to sustain his/her life, especially if you promised him/her that you would never do it?
This brings to mind the fact that you should never make a promise about a loved ones care because you never know what is going to happen.
The guilt can be extremely hard on you
Your comments, please
On a happier note visit my sister site
for mind stimulating activities for those with dementia
Thanks for answering my question. It is very sad. Anyone, almost, would not want to live at that point. However, sometimes our lives aren’t about our own benefit, but for the benefit of others around us. There are lessons to be learned at every turn. At the same time, I agree that someone should not be kept alive with artificial means, in this case.
Karen
http://gardendiva.today.com/