[berndi]

> you're telling me it's possible to be functional enough to eat and sleep for a week, but not know that your wife is dead and the barking dog needs food and water

Absolutely, in late stages of Alzheimers you’re a vegetable, but basic bodily functions still work to some degree.

[duncancarroll]

Well that's unfortunate. Although I still don't understand why she wouldn't have sought medical attention as her own condition worsened, but I suppose that's at least conceivable.

[eurleif]

Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome starts with flu-like symptoms that are easy to write off as not requiring medical attention. Once symptoms worsen, it can be fatal in mere hours.