His dementia continues to progress at a noticeable pace.  Recently someone suggested that Jeff’s symptoms sound more like Lewy Body Dementia (LBD),  Once I looked into it, I have to agree, and while his doctors can’t definitively diagnose this, it gives me some information I use to help Jeff. With LBD, symptoms include memory issues, but not as severe as Alzheimers.  This explains why Jeff knows who he was and continues to recognize family and friends, while forgetting things that happened recently.  Another aspect of LBD is Parkinson’s-like stiffness and loss of balance and strength.  Jeff is no longer able to dress, feed, shower, go to bathroom etc. himself.   Here is a link with info on LBD.  https://www.lbda.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017_diagnostic_checklist_-_updated_criteria_v2_1.pdf?_gl=1*q113hf*_ga*MTg2OTUwNjQ2LjE3MDgxODAxODU.*_ga_3R4B0BZ6K3*MTcwODE4MDE4NS4xLjEuMTcwODE4MDIxMS4zNC4wLjA

One aspect of LDB which is different from Alzheimer’s is extreme fluctuation in functioning from day-to-day.  This is very unsettling for those who love Jeff, as he will be fairly cognizant one day, walking slowly but steadily, interested and interactive in conversation.  The next day he may be severely compromised, unable to stand or walk without assistance.  He may drool, have small hallucinations and can’t use his arms much.  He experiences anxiety almost constantly.  His strong work ethic is still there, he always thinks he needs to work on something or fix something.  He gets concerned that something happened to his ‘58 Ford and cannot be soothed.  Sometimes we have to take him home to see that all is well in his man-cave.  

Based on his fast progression, his doctor suggested that we have Jeff evaluated for Hospice care.  I initially freaked out - isn’t Hospice for when someone is at death’s door??  Turns out this is a common misconception.  Hospice is simply moving from trying to treat the disease to a focus on care & comfort for the patient.  After some long discussions with the nurse and doctors, we had Jeff evaluated.  Due to his inability to perform any of his major self-care functions, he qualified.  He will not move from Highline, but now he will get additional visits and care from Hospice professionals, helping him to eat, shower, brush teeth etc.  We will take him off of some of the medications, which don’t seem to be helping based on his advanced stage.  I am optimistic about this move.  Jeff loves one on one attention and the staff at Highline have limited ability to provide this.  Having the regular visits from Hospice caregivers will be a positive thing.  

So, kind of a lot going on.  As usual, if you are looking for a way to help, PLEASE VISIT JEFF.  If you would prefer to do this with me, I would love to coordinate a time to visit together.  My cell is 303-249-1397.  Text or call me and we can set something up.  I also want to give my heartfelt thanks to those who do visit, especially John Dunn who sees Jeff a few times every week.  God bless you, JD.