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.
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