Prince Philip (UK)

[Deleted]

Dec 26, 2019 23:37:02 GMT -4 petitesuite said:

I agree with the overall points that this is pretty much what 98 looks like and it's amazing that he has, really, any mental faculties left at all. But, I also have to point out that he would NOT be the first elderly person to keep driving for years after they Really Should Not Be and given his driving history I think it might be justified to put him in that category. If anything I think the 'only driving on private property' thing makes it easier to keep any mishaps private.

This. And I will add, being lucid at Harry's wedding proves nothing about his faculties now. That was a year and a half ago and when dementia hits, it hits you very fast. I saw my grandmother go from mentally fine to completely unaware of anything going on around her in less than six months.

[Deleted]

True, but when someone has reached their upper 90s with faculties intact, I would think most likely that's a sign that they aren't going to end up suffering from dementia. Maybe forgetful or losing some of their sharpness but not actual dementia.
Anyway, if he was suffering from dementia I'm sure there would be an aide with him in the car. I would hope so, just for his own safety.

[Lwaxana]

Dec 27, 2019 13:20:34 GMT -4 @stargirl said:

True, but when someone has reached their upper 90s with faculties intact, I would think most likely that's a sign that they aren't going to end up suffering from dementia. Maybe forgetful or losing some of their sharpness but not actual dementia.
Anyway, if he was suffering from dementia I'm sure there would be an aide with him in the car. I would hope so, just for his own safety.

The point I meant was that UTIs can cause aggravated symptoms of delirium/dementia. We know that PP has been hospitalized for bladder infections before, and at his age is probably treated for them regularly by his private doctor. So maybe not full blown dementia, but I wonder if he suffers often enough from aggressive symptoms of UTI based delirium that it's hard for The Queen to see him in such a state, and thats why he's literally been put out to pasture on a country estate.

[Mugsy]

That sounds probable. UTIs can do in old people, not sure why. My father's end came about that way.

Regular people in the same circumstances would put Grandpa in a nursing home, but PP gets more cushy digs to live out his days. He's 15 years beyond average life expectancy so he's had a very good run for a cranky entitled old man.

[tazmin]

I could be wrong, but I think the reason UTIs are so toxic to the elderly is because the infection can cross the blood/brain barrier and really mess up their mind. It was surely the case with my mother. She turned overnight from a reasonable old lady to a very crazy old lady.

[lordofthefries]

The reason isn't fully elucidated, but basically any perturbation including UTIs can trigger delirium in older adults, particularly those with dementia. The worse their mental state is at baseline, the more severe and prolonged delirium tends to be. Those with dementia will often have stepwise deterioration with each infection and not return to their prior baseline after the infection is treated. UTIs can be otherwise asymptomatic in older adults and sometimes the only way you know it's going on is that the sudden behavior change. A lot of other things that are very benign in younger folks can trigger delirium in those with dementia such as dehydration and constipation and medications they need for other reasons - it's hard to manage and fully prevent.

All that being said, I don't think that's what's going on with Philip. He's had three hospitalizations for infections in the last 5 years (one for pneumonia, one for bladder infection/UTI, one unspecified) which isn't a lot for his age. And those with means and close supervision can generally manage to avoid recurrent UTIs with behavior modifications (staying hydrated, voiding on a schedule) or with preventative antibiotics/medications - and I have no doubt that Philip has access to the best health care.

[Lwaxana]

Prince Philip was admitted to the hospital this morning.

[wonkabar5]

Get well.

[Deleted]

All the best to him. Whatever it is, I hope he's comfortable.

That being said, it's sad to think about, but it's only a matter of time.

[discoprincess]

Feb 17, 2021 11:59:22 GMT -4 @ximena said:

All the best to him. Whatever it is, I hope he's comfortable.

That being said, it's sad to think about, but it's only a matter of time.

I briefly considered putting him in the death pool, but it doesn't sound that dire...yet.