The next steps may become sleeping, not walking, and inability to swallow and it can still be months before death. There is no cure and there is really nothing to slow progress when she is this far in dementia. My MIL was in the stage your mother is in. The only reactions when my husband visited her was a little glimmer of amusement when she was shown very old family pictures
A few points here and I am by no means an "expert" but... You believe she has Lewy Body dementia and the doctors say it would not make a difference in her meds if you know for sure. I disagree. It may not make a difference with the medications she is currently taking. But Lewy Body is one where a diagnosis is important because if she does have LBD there are certain medications that she should not take as they can be dangerous for her. For this reason alone I think getting an accurate diagnosis is important. (and I am one not to want to put someone through testing if it is not necessary.)
As far as the not being able to put together a sentence. My Husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's but I suspect he also had Vascular dementia. (did not want to put him through testing to be sure) He was pretty much non verbal the last 6 to 8 years of his life. He may have occasionally said a word her or there but never a sentence. I think, again not an expert, it was just the part of his brain that was damaged by the dementia(s). As far as eating...he always had a good appetite and that did not change until about the last month of his life. Although he did not eat as much as he did previously I did not have a problem getting him to eat. And the last few months he had to be fed. (pureed foods and thickened liquids) But it also took him much longer to eat before he would stop. Each person is different. Each brain is effected differently.
My mother had dementia and the conversing was her issue. My dad was very healthy but lost his sense of smell to the extent that I'd come into their house and immediately know there was rotting meat in the refrigerator. I think that comes with age and possibly can come with dementia, but Mom never mentioned things not smelling or tasting right.
My mother suffered from dementia and meds were useless to stop it from progressing. Loss of speech and understanding language goes with the territory, too.
I suggest you read this 33 of booklet online about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia. The reviews for her books are phenomenal b/c they are written in plain English & very easy to read/understand. Her writings have been VERY helpful for me.
Lewybody to me is the worst of the Dementia because it effects the part of the brain where the emotions are. There are meds that work with one type of Dementia and not another. I think its important to know what Dementia they have.
Unfortunately, there are few if any happy answers to questions about dementia.
It is not unusual for patients to lose their ability to communicate, and as her condition progresses you may become aware that she is losing even more of her current skills.
It is very important FOR YOU as the caregiving spouse to arrange for as much respite time FOR YOURSELF as possible, because in-home caregiving can quickly become VERY DIFFICULT to manage as patient needs progress.
You believe she has Lewy Body dementia and the doctors say it would not make a difference in her meds if you know for sure.
I disagree.
It may not make a difference with the medications she is currently taking. But Lewy Body is one where a diagnosis is important because if she does have LBD there are certain medications that she should not take as they can be dangerous for her. For this reason alone I think getting an accurate diagnosis is important. (and I am one not to want to put someone through testing if it is not necessary.)
As far as the not being able to put together a sentence.
My Husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer's but I suspect he also had Vascular dementia. (did not want to put him through testing to be sure)
He was pretty much non verbal the last 6 to 8 years of his life. He may have occasionally said a word her or there but never a sentence.
I think, again not an expert, it was just the part of his brain that was damaged by the dementia(s).
As far as eating...he always had a good appetite and that did not change until about the last month of his life. Although he did not eat as much as he did previously I did not have a problem getting him to eat. And the last few months he had to be fed. (pureed foods and thickened liquids) But it also took him much longer to eat before he would stop.
Each person is different. Each brain is effected differently.
I suggest you read this 33 of booklet online about managing dementia and what to expect with an elder who's been diagnosed with it.
Understanding the Dementia Experience, by Jennifer Ghent-Fuller
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/210580
Jennifer is a nurse who worked for many years as an educator and counsellor for people with dementia and their families, as well as others in caring roles. She addresses the emotional and grief issues in the contexts in which they arise for families living with dementia. The reviews for her books are phenomenal b/c they are written in plain English & very easy to read/understand. Her writings have been VERY helpful for me.
The full copy of her book is available here:
https://www.amazon.com/Thoughtful-Dementia-Care-Understanding-Experience/dp/B09WN439CC/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2E7WWE9X5UFXR&keywords=jennifer+ghent+fuller+books&qid=1657468364&sprefix=jennifer+ghent%2Caps%2C631&sr=8-2
Wishing you the best of luck with a difficult situation.
Everything you mention is Dementia based.
Unfortunately, there are few if any happy answers to questions about dementia.
It is not unusual for patients to lose their ability to communicate, and as her condition progresses you may become aware that she is losing even more of her current skills.
It is very important FOR YOU as the caregiving spouse to arrange for as much respite time FOR YOURSELF as possible, because in-home caregiving can quickly become VERY DIFFICULT to manage as patient needs progress.
Even small breaks through the day can help you.
You are welcome here. Come often.