HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Do Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms Progressively Get Worse?

My father has been diagnosed with alzheimers and lately he has these spells where he passes out and it takes him awhile to come to and remember us. About 20 minutes or so. Very scary for the family. He just sort of passes out , usually after a busy day. Will this get worse?
Tue, 26 Aug 2014
Report Abuse
Neurologist,  's  Response
I am very to hear that your father is having such problems. Typically, an Alzheimer's patients are more confused and disoriented, forgetful, etc. but to lose consciousness ("passes out" for a full 20 minutes)? That is not the typical course of this problem. You should take him for immediate evaluation with a neurologist as what you're describing may be anything from an epileptic seizure to a very reduced state of alertness due to a urinary tract infection or something of the like. He will also likely need a cardiology consult as well although the time frame of 20 minutes would be extraordinarily long for this to be a simple arrhythmia that corrects itself. Nevertheless, what you're describing is not a normal part of AD. Also, start physically timing his episodes and document them so that you can take this information in more precise form to the doctor once you locate him.

If you like more information from myself then, please consider writing your questions specifically to my attention (DARIUSH SAGHAFI, MD) and submitting to the network under the PREMIUM QUESTION board and I will be honored to share more information with you as appropriate.

Good luck to you.

Would you do me the great favor of a STAR RATING of this response if you feel I've hit the mark in answering your question? Thank you.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Do Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms Progressively Get Worse?

I am very to hear that your father is having such problems. Typically, an Alzheimer s patients are more confused and disoriented, forgetful, etc. but to lose consciousness ( passes out for a full 20 minutes)? That is not the typical course of this problem. You should take him for immediate evaluation with a neurologist as what you re describing may be anything from an epileptic seizure to a very reduced state of alertness due to a urinary tract infection or something of the like. He will also likely need a cardiology consult as well although the time frame of 20 minutes would be extraordinarily long for this to be a simple arrhythmia that corrects itself. Nevertheless, what you re describing is not a normal part of AD. Also, start physically timing his episodes and document them so that you can take this information in more precise form to the doctor once you locate him. If you like more information from myself then, please consider writing your questions specifically to my attention (DARIUSH SAGHAFI, MD) and submitting to the network under the PREMIUM QUESTION board and I will be honored to share more information with you as appropriate. Good luck to you. Would you do me the great favor of a STAR RATING of this response if you feel I ve hit the mark in answering your question? Thank you.