Alzheimer's or Dementia: Memory Problems Questions

1. Is it typical for Alzheimer's patients to make up stories?

   People with Alzheimer's disease may develop delusions (false beliefs held with absolute conviction despite superior evidence) and hallucinations (perceptions in a conscious and awake state in the absence of external stimuli which have qualities of real perception). These symptoms may cause them to tell stories that may not be true...
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2. I don't think my 78-year-old mother has dementia, so why does she get sundown syndrome?

   While your mother could be suffering from an early form of dementia, she may -- like a lot of elderly people -- get disoriented for some other reason associated with that time of day. Either way, there are some practical things you can do.
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3. Two months after my father-in-law's passing, my mother-in-law with dementia no longer recognizes my wife. What could have triggered this?

   No longer being recognized is one of the most painful effects of Alzheimer's and dementia for family members. It's impossible to say exactly what caused this new development, but stress and stressful events are known to worsen dementia. Your father-in-law's death was a major stressor for your mother-in-law...
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4. What's the best way to handle repetition in someone with dementia?

   Handle repetition in someone with memory impairment with grace and good humor -- and plenty of patience. Recent memory is the first kind to be impaired, so the person literally does not remember having asked the same question or having told the same story minutes earlier.
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5. What could cause occasional electrolyte imbalances?

   This is a difficult question to answer, as I cannot examine your mother or see the actual lab results that you talk about in your question. That being said, the symptoms you describe your mother having can be brought on by low sodium. For the most part, low potassium and low sodium are usually caused...
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6. Can a person with dementia "hide" it?

   I would suggest that you ask her physician if a family conference could be scheduled. If some of the family can not attend the conference could be a teleconference ling. Then, everyone would hear the same message and they would have the opportunity to ask questions of her physicians...
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7. Can Alzheimer's go into a remission of sorts?

   To answer this question, I think it is important to appreciate the following important aspect of Alzheimer's disease; most patients with Alzheimer's disease also have other medical conditions that can contribute to impaired thinking. This means that the patient's memory, judgment, and verbal abilities...
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8. How should I deal with the accusation made my mother with memory loss?

   Memory loss and accusations seem to be mutually inclusive. It may help to clarify your mother's diagnosis with a nerological evaluation. What is the reason for the memory loss? There most likely is an underlying cause such as a metabolic, psychologic, vascular, or neurologic entity...
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9. Should I be keep trying to get an Alzheimer's diagnosis for my mother?

   It can be hard not to lose your patience with a family member when she keeps repeating stories or questions, but once you learn the basics of dementia communication and approaches, together you can have the best of days with fun, laughter, and love.
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10. How can my dad with dementia remember something that happened less than a week ago, but can't remember what I told him minutes ago?

    Dementia is a strange disease and what you described is not unusual. I think that having his license revoked was a pretty dramatic event. It's is usually more difficult for men to give up driving than it is for women...perhaps something to do with being the head of the family.
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11. How can I get my husband with dementia realize that he can no longer make the same commitments he used to?

    PS to Frena, I'll be in your area around the holidays. I'd love to meet you and compare notes. We're coming form the same place. - Bisbee could probably benefit form an Alzheimer's Cafe, what do you think?
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12. Should I consider moving Mom out of the room she shares with Dad due to her dementia?

    Enjoy the moment! The fact that your parents are both happy living together and are much in love is a gift to them and to you. What is important is that your mom is pleased to be with your dad and knows who he is. It is not really important that she articulate that he is her husband...
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13. My mother forgets to turn off the faucet after she uses it, what should I do?

    Goodness. This one is tough. I've been racking my brain to come up with some ideas. My best suggestion is to try posting notes around the sink and bathroom door. Write it in bold large letters. Also, you may consider adding a picture to the note to help her understand the task at hand a little bit better...
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14. Why do Alzheimer's patients remember certain things and forget others?

    Alzheimer's disease affects recent memories first. The retention of new information is most affected, while recollections of things that happened in the past are much more resistant. The loss of recent events is often one of the first, if not the first, symptom of the disease.
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15. What should I do when my parent with Alzheimer's doesn't recognize members of the family?

    Forgetting loved ones (often just temporarily) or confusing them with someone else is most typical in the middle to late stages of the disease. It's important to remember that this doesn't reflect your father's feelings about his grandchildren (or about anyone else in the family); it's just the nature of memory loss with Alzheimer's disease...
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16. Can Alzheimer's Cause Swearing?

    It is the disease that's causing the change. We all know these nasty words, but our parents (when we're young) and people around us (as we get older) encourage us to control ourselves and not say them in front of others. Several things are happening to your mom...
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17. Can vitamin supplements and herbals slow memory loss due to Alzheimer's disease?

    No vitamin or herb can improve his memory. Nor can they stop the memory loss. Certain vitamins and prescription drugs, a good diet, exercise, and continuing mental stimulation -- all those things together could be helpful in retaining memory longer, however...
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18. Can a TIA have residual effects?

    By definition, a TIA should cause symptoms that last no more than 24 hours. If your mother is still having symptoms from an event that took place last year, this would be considered a stroke, not a TIA. That said, with regards to vascular dementia, a TIA can cause damage to the brain that is not noticeable to the patient but can be seen on radiologic imaging...
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19. Can someone with Alzheimer's forget something then remember it?

    Yes, a person with Alzheimer's can remember things that had been seemingly forgotten for a time. Their ability to remember may have to do with being tired or frustrated or just being distracted. Asking about it at another time may produce better results--not so very different from you and I...
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20. How can I tell if my mom has Alzheimer's or short term memory loss? I think she's hallucinating.

    The mind of old age is fascinating. Hallucinations could be caused by Alzheimer's. On the other hand, they could be caused by medication or other types of illness. It is not unusal for an elder to hallucinate in the hospital; then settle down at home.
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