Judge puts 'Columbo' actor Falk in conservatorship

[kskiska]

A judge placed former "Columbo" star Peter Falk in a conservatorship Monday to ensure his daughter could occasionally visit the ailing 81-year-old actor.

Falk's wife of more than 30 years, Shera, will remain in control of his personal care and affairs. Falk has advanced dementia, likely from Alzheimer's disease, one of his doctors testified Monday.

(snip)

The Emmy-winning actor slipped rapidly into dementia since a series of dental operations in late 2007, Dr. Stephen Read testified Monday, the final day of a two-day conservatorship hearing.

Read said it was unclear whether Falk's condition worsened as a result of anesthesia or some other reaction to the operation.

Read first evaluated Falk in June 2008 before the actor was scheduled to undergo hip surgery. His dementia and apparent Alzheimer's disease worsened after that procedure, and Read said the actor no longer remembers his signature role in the series "Columbo."

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http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/06/01/entertainment/e182349D74.DTL&tsp=1

[Kaleva]

1. Sad.

Years ago an old neighbor's mind slipped away from him. He went from being always upbeat, smiling and quick with a joke to something that had to be under constant supervision in a medical facility where he spent his days screaming, swearing and tearing at his clothing until he passed away.

[jkshaw]

2. This situation is very sad.

I've always loved Peter Falk in Columbo

[Old and In the Way]

3. Sad to hear this.

He was a pro and Columbo was great television. Interesting plots and a great character.

[Kerrytravelers]

4. This is so sad. I got addicted to Columbo the summer of my Sophmore year in college.

I love that man.

[BuyingThyme]

5. Mee to.

[Faygo Kid]

6. Bles his heart, and all the best to his family.

So sorry to hear this. Growing old is no fun.

[SeattleGirl]

7. That is so sad.

:cry:

[MADem]

8. That is a shame. The anaesthesia/dental operations connection to dementia is

something I've never heard of before this.

How sad that there's so much contention in the family.

[glinda]

9. Me neither. His drawings are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!! He used to draw a lot.

[MADem]

11. He only has one eye, too--one's a fake. nt

[glinda]

12. Your right! I forgot about that!

[MADem]

13. Him, and Sandy Duncan....on the old fuzzy TVs, you didn't notice it so much. nt

[dgibby]

14. There is a school of thought (alternative medicine) that believes that mercury fillings

are the cause of many medical problems, including dementia. Google mercury fillings/dementia.

[MADem]

15. It sounds to me like he was having major surgery, like perhaps a series of implants.

Not just a few fillings. Nowadays, most dentists offer the composite options--more so for the Hollywood crowd.

[theHandpuppet]

21. Some years ago I had read about a possible connection....

... between the onset of dementia and use of anesthesia in some elderly patients. I'd be very interested if a study has been made of this possible link.

[thelordofhell]

10. Grandpa, maybe you could come over and read it again to me tomorrow

As you wish

:cry:

[MissB]

17. Inconceivable!

I'd forgotten about his role in that movie.

[XOKCowboy]

18. Thanks. I had Columbo on my mind and you put The Princess Bride there....

A much better image of a great actor. Best Wishes Peter. Thanks.

[WillowTree]

16. How very sad.

He always seemed to be a very sweet man.

[defendandprotect]

19. Terrible . . .

[leftofthedial]

20. he was also great in The Princess Bride

one of my favorites.

[BrklynLiberal]

22. Very sad news....

[5thGenDemocrat]

23. He was a scream in "The In-Laws"

Sorry to hear about this.
John
He was born three years before my parents. Dad died in 1989 and mom in 1994 -- so he's had a good (great) life. Still, it's sad when old friends get to the end.

[MilesColtrane]

24. "Push the button, Max!"

Thanks for the lifetime of entertainment, Mr. Falk.