I have not been on here in a while. My DH age 58 has declined significantly since the summer when he had three seizures. He became psychotic, was in a psych ward for ten days. Then he went to a memory care unit at an assisted living facility for ten days. We then determined that the one on one care he required was best done at home. We hired our own caregivers by placing an add on Craig's list. Since November he has been at home with 24 hour care. His decline has been steady. He was walking just a couple of steps at a time and talking was minimal. He had not had any more seizures since he was put on depakote. Four nights ago he had another seizure. The next day and still today he's been remarkably better. He's making eye contact again, talking, singing, joking, and walking better. It is just amazing. We are enjoying it so much! The question is, will this improvement go away as fast as it came?
It is good to hear from you again. I'm just sorry that it is with such difficult news. I have not had experience with seizures, but AD is unpredictable and an up and down roller coaster. It is impossible to tell how long the improvement will last. You are on the right track by focusing on the positive and enjoying his improvement. Have you discussed this with the doctor?
I have not discussed it with the doctor. I'm sure he would not have any helpful words of wisdom. I will enjoy it while it lasts. We're getting a lot of lovely smiles.
My husband had three seizures last Nov; then nothing until January, when he had 10 or so over a three week period. After the first several, I also felt he was somewhat more alert cognitively for a few days, almost as though all that electrical activity (if that's what it is) cleared some of the cobwebs away. It didn't last more than a few days with him, but it was nice to see more of "him" even for a short time. Unfortunately, the cumulative effect of so many has taken a toll. His doctor cut back on his Aricept and Seroquel and he hasn't had any more, so far.
My husband is also on the younger end (63) and I read that seizures are more common in early onset. He is in stage 7.
Marge, My DH is also stage 7. We've has hospice since November. He had three seizures last summer and was put on depakote, an anti-seizure medication. He's also on geodon, similar to seroquel. His decline since then has been significant so this improvement has been great. I'm seeing it wear off some already though.
Hildann, its good to see your post although the reason for your absence is a stressful one. i hope your DH continues to improve. we know very little about how a seizure relates to AD - just like marge says maybe an electrical jump of sorts. lets hope it lasts. divvi
One week later and most of his improvements have faded away. I'm sad that my son who has been here through thick and thin was away for work the whole week he was better.
Hildann, I'm glad you got to enjoy his improvements for a while. And that you knew it was temporary and were ready for the return to status quo. I wish his son had gotten to see it too. It take so little to bring us a moment of happiness.....now it is a smile, or a twinkle in the eye....just a flash that they are still there.