Friday, March 25

The speech therapist came yesterday and after her eval said she thought there was little more to be gained with more therapy.  She left a list of suggestions for exercises we can do.  They include a card game, and looking at family pictures and discussing them.  She also suggested that he might eat better with sweetener on things.  She has seen this work with other clients.

She talked a bit about the fact that he may develop problems with swallowing and to watch for that.  She also said the constant running nose is a part of the syndrome.  First time I heard that.  So far we had tried to figure out if it was one of his medications or maybe allergies.  The doctor never mentioned that it was a symptom of the disease.  He coughs a lot and his nose runs constantly and he frequently hiccups.

While the speech therapist was here the physical therapist arrived.  He did an eval and we decided to do a couple of weeks of therapy focusing on balance and ways to lesson his chances of falling. 

I sense from both that they don't feel there is a lot more that can be done.  The nurse called and she is coming on Friday (today) so will have to skip gym because she couldn't give me an exact time.  I hope she can help me make sure I am taking the blood pressure and blood sugar correctly.

Last night Cowboy was sound asleep and he came up like a shot, arms waving and yelled "Sheba!".  He then looked and saw her asleep at the foot of the bed, laid back down and went back to sleep.

I got on the internet this morning and checked out the issue of the running nose.  On the Lewy Body Dementia Association web site I found out that drooling and a runny nose are in fact symptoms of the disease.  I will have to discuss this with the doctor.

Another thing I found out is that a person who has REM Sleep Behavior Disorder is likely to develop a brain disorder, on average 11 years later.  I don't know how far back I can remember his sleep was disturbed and he often had nightmares, etc.  It was said to be a result of PTSD.

This morning I set out some fruit from Wednesday evening and Cowboy ate quite a bit of it.  He hardly touched his toast but did drink a glass of milk.    I know the Dr. said to not be overly concerned about the weight loss but I am anyway.

The nurse came and took readings.  All is fine.

The lady from the Area Council on Aging called and rescheduled for another week out.  She also suggested I apply for something the VA has called Aid and Attendance Pension that is essentially a reimbursement to help defray the cost of respite care.  hmmmm......guess I will look into that.