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My DH has a AD and Vascular Dementia diagnosis. He has had fainting spell and his pulse rate in the 40’s and low 50’s. He has seen a cardiologist and they are doing a monitor and will do echocardiogram next week. The Dr says he has an condition called Symptomatic Bradycardia . And my DH may need a Pacemaker. How well does a AD/Vascular Dementia patient do with a pacemaker? Does it need a lot of attention and will the patient know if something is not right with pacemaker? If he faints while standing or walking it will be dangerous. How does a caregiver take care of a person with a pacemaker? Is Bradycardia common in AD/Vascular Dementia patients? How serious is this.? Any Pros and Cons will be appreciated.

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Jan, there is no care involved for the caregiver. The doctor will put you on a schedule to check the pacemaker. New batteries have a 15 year life span for some patients.

My dads cardiologist checked every month for the 1st 6 months to ensure that all was well with the device and then he started checking every six months. He did fine with it and had a new generator installed after being diagnosed with dementia and he recovered quickly from the surgery.

The biggest thing is that they need to monitor how often the device is pacing to ensure that the battery doesn't run low before they predicted.

I wouldn't hesitate to have one installed if he is fainting and falling, that could be catastrophic. I would be asking questions about how they open him up to install, what that rehabilitation looks like and what is the prognosis with and without the surgery. Anesthesia is not a friend to dementia sufferers. No easy decision in this situation.
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I knew and elderly lady with a pacemaker for brachycardia and all she did was have the battery replaced regularly--but they lasted a LONG time. She didn't take any medication for it, to my knowledge.

Your LO will feel better almost immediately and you don't need to do 'anything' but be supportive and loving, which is what we all should be anyway.

(BTW, I have TACHYCARDIA which is a rapid heartbeat. Mine is due to chemo and stress--I take meds for it and probably will the rest of my life. I'd prefer brachycardia, to be honest. I am CONSTANTLY aware of my heartbeat. It's annoying as all get out)

Installing the device is not a big deal. Probably done under mild sedation, but do ask in advance. I know the recovery is a simple one.
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From what I understand its a fairly simple procedure. I think its placed under a muscle. He may be a little sore from the incision but once it is healed there is no care. He may be checked every so often its working and batteries do last 15 years. The only thing I read that I would question is that the person has a local. They are not put under. As a person suffering from Dementia I may want him put under.

Your doctor or his nurse should take you through how this will all work.
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