Anna says, " I am moving some of the comments to the main page so we make sure everyone reads them. Be sure to read the comments section for everyones comments though. If you would like to be an author on the page leave an email address or send Karen an email and I will add you. Thanks!"

I just talked to my dad and Karen about how Grandma is doing. Of course some of you have a medical background, I will try to write this for those with and without this background.For the last week Grandma has not been drinking very much and also has made very little urine. This, along with the way she is breathing(cheynne stokes) that Karen described to me suggests that her kidneys are shutting down (Acute renal failure). This is one of the most common ways people with dementia pass away and is one of the most comfortable.

What happens is some of the toxins the kidneys normally clear from the body build up (uremia, metabolic acidosis, hyperkalemia). This could explain her apparent seizure, and it also makes a person more sleepy and harder to awaken. When a person does pass away from this it is though they pass away in their sleep. Karen will watch for any signs of discomfort, but they usually have very little. These substances build up in their blood making them more and more sleepy until finally they pass.Again, I can't be sure this is correct without being there, but if this is correct I don't think it is likely that she will wake up again and will likely pass in the next day or two.

She will be in our thoughts and prayers along with the rest of you.David Wyler
September 6, 2009 5:07 PM