My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimers about 18 months ago, although I suspect she was in the early stages for many months before that. She is in assisted living, takes her medication (she is forced to so do) and has people watching over her so that she bathes and dresses. Lately, she's not eating, refuses to walk, sleeps more and stares blankly at nothing. No one seems to think that these behaviors are issues. I read online that perhaps they are indicators that her diagnosis has progressed. She still recognizes me as her daughter, but she doesn't remember friends, nieces and nephews. What have others seen in their loved ones at various stages of this disease? I recognize that it probably isn't the same with everyone.
Now if she has another dementia along with Alzheimer's her progression could go a little quicker, but from what you've described it doesn't sound like the end is near, just that she has progressed some more in her disease. And sadly she will only continue to decline, so just enjoy whatever time you may have left with her.
Have mom assessed by hospice. If she's eligible, that will bring hospice workers into the mix. They'll continuously assess her and suggest things to help her. (Her aides will do this too, but hospice is a specialized kind of care and will help you as well as mom.)
Why isn't mom in memory care? Assisted Living isn't the level of care she needs now that these behaviors have surfaced. One thing for sure: she won't get better. Hospice or a memory care facility would be explaining these different stages as she goes through them.
I hope you find what mom needs for her present and future situations.
The facility staff should be well aware of them
If mom is not on Hospice you might want to ask for a Hospice Evaluation
She will have weekly contact with the Hospice Nurse that will keep you updated as to any changes.
In general some changes that you may notice
She will stop eating and drinking. She will not feel hunger or thirst like you or I do. her body is preparing to die.
She will sleep most of the time (I am talking 22 hours a day or more)
her breathing will change. At times she will sound like she has a lot of fluid in her mouth. (this is commonly called the death rattle)
Her skin coloration will change as blood circulation slows blood may begin pooling at the lowest points this will show up as mottling.
She may see things you do not see. relatives and friends that have passed She may reach out to them, wave or smile.