Better Today

Dad was better today than yesterday.  He continues to have dementia and seems quite miserable to be in the hospital.  I don't know if that is a good sign or not.  We think he suffers from "Sundowner's Syndrome" which describes the increased agitation towards sundown of elderly and even younger patients who have been in the hospital for a very long time.  You can read more about this strange phenomenon here.  If you read the comments in this article you will find that even very young people have been known to get "Sundowner's Syndrome."

Dad occasionally breaks into song with perfect pitch and a booming base voice.  Much of the time he rambles on about things and places that don't seem to relate to his present situation.  Mom stayed with him today for most of the afternoon while Barbara and I made a run to the Lake to get some more things for the apartment.  When we returned Mom said that Ray and Ingrid Simmons had visited and that dad had been awake for most of the time.  We agree with the nurses who say he has day and night mixed up.  It was good that he was stimulated for much of the day today.  Perhaps it will help him get that sorted out.

We will see his regular doctor on Monday to find out what his prognosis is.  Dad said that if he ever gets out of the hospital and goes home he will never go anywhere again.  We hope that he does get out and gets to go to his new home.