My 95 year old dad's been in the hospital for 2 weeks. We brought him in because he stopped eating and then drinking. They hydrated him with potassium and saline or suger water until 2 days ago. 4 days ago they gave hime something to make food flow easier through the digestive track and increase appetite. Not sure what that was, but I think the drug began with an "R". They say there is nothing else they can do. He is alert and says he is full, not hungry and feels sick to his stomach. He won't drink the liquid for a cat scan. They found he had a bladder infection, which they treated and anemia which they did not. He seems to be able to swallow the small morsels we convince him to eat, but does not enjoy the food. He has had dementia/Alzheimers symtoms for about 7 years now. Is there anything left we can do?

I am so sorry to hear about your father's condition. It must be very difficult for him and you guys.

They probably prescribed Remeron, an antidepressant that increases appetite in some patients

Talk to his doctor about using TPN intraveneous feeding that contains esential fatty acids, glutamine and vitamins

There is also Oxandrin, an oral agent approved for intentional weight loss

Megace increases appetite but the weight gain is mostly fat and we have seen no survival benefits of using that drug in HIV, but it could also be an option to discuss.

nelson