Heart valve surgery complications

[Bill925]

My Father went through a 5 1/2 hour open heart surgery 7 weeks ago to replace a mechanical valve that he had installed in 1991, with a porceine valve at the age of 74 years old. While in recovery he developed pneumonia and had to stay on a ventilator for an extended amount of time. During that time we have observed baby steps in the right direction. He is healing well and he looks better now than before the having the operation.

I unfortunately live further away that does not allow daily visits. According to family members, one being my sister who is a Nurse Practitioner has kept me up to date of his status. At this point my Father is showing signs of agressive behavior. He has thrown a vase through a picture window, kicked the night nurse in the ribs and tried to choke her, tried to stab someone with a pair of scissors and stomped on my Mothers foot among other things. He has never ever been a violent individual. When I spoke with him on the phone he said he had to go that he was digging a hole. He talks about some off the wall things, but does not remember it.

It seems that he has his good days and not. The trend seems to run in 24 hour spurts. At this point he is not allowed to go home and the Doctors are saying that he may never get to go home. His Family history does have Alzheimers in it. My Grandfather and Aunt on his side both had it.

Would this accelerate the Alzheimers? Is this something that would be permanent or is it part of the Post Op depression?  Is there hope that he will recover from this?

Thank You for your input,

Bill