I found an article that says that there may be a link between a defect in the immune system and Alzheimer's Disease. I am guessing that if a weak immune system cannot fight AD, perhaps it cannot fight other illnesses.
My husband, well into stage six, has not had the flu in many years--does not get the flu shot. It has been at least four years since he has had a cold. So I guess, again, everyone is different.
My DH does seem to have a bad immune system, but don't know if it is the dementia or the parkinson's but I don't think it matters because they both are affected in the brain. I am always amazed at how much the body and the brain works together.
Do not think my DH has been sick with anything since diagnosis....9 years ago. If someone gets sick frquently with colds, flu; besides a weak immune system, low Vitamin D could also be the culprit. Make sure, especially as LO become more homebound that a D supplement is taken. As always double check this info with your doc.
Thank you all, I will keep him fortified with all that I can. We have never partaken in the flu shot/immunization suggestions, were always into natural medicine. Now, however, I give him anything (well almost, I did take him off Namenda) that the doctors suggest. I've always believed main stream doctors to be pill-pushers. I haven't seen much to dissuade me from that line of thinking, although I'm more willing to give things a try now than before because "this is a whole new ballgame"!