Suspect Dementia in Elderly Mom.

Hello Rzales! Welcome to Caring groups.

I'm sorry to hear of your mother. What's happening that makes you concerned she's showing signs of dementia, if I an ask? In the meantime, I think having her evaulated is a very good idea.

Please let us know how things are going!

LauraL:

Thanks for your response.  Some of her symptoms seem to be cognitive related and delusional at times.

Thanks.

Rzales

Now why does this sound so familiar to me? My mom started experiencing dementia and delusional episodes as well. It was a bit easier for me since I am the one to take her to the doctors' office anyway. I joined an elderly alzheimers' support group online and the posters were quite knowledgeable. They advised me to have her see her doctor when I suspected a possiblility of alzheimers , they said to request of the doctor a MRI and...I did.  That day, I told mom we were going to have a testing that would better aide the doctor in prescribing more precise and agreeable medications. OK, the test findings indicated that my mom did not have alzheimers', not even a small scarring on the brain, the test was perfect and concluded that she was just experiencing old age dementia of some sort which is normal of people in her age group (Some are fortunate though not having to go thru. this period). The doc. still kept her on her airecept though which has done mom good.

I know the hardest part is getting them to realize how crucial it is to have them see specialist/doctors about various needs....but I found in our case it worked better catching mom when she was in a fairly good or happy mood. Then explaining how important  the matter is  and how beneficial it will all be to her health. She pretty much knows she's aging and can be coached or convinced if I can figure out the time she seem more receptive to hear what I have to say.  Ofcourse, if I say things at the wrong time with mom it can be very crucial and de-humanizing to her....So if she seems to resist my message, I give it a rest and try again some other time. You'll just have to observe and figure out what works bes for you guys....each individual is different in their own way....but most elderly who suffer dementia or alzheimers' have very similar symptoms if not exact.  Hope this helps and God bless.

Hi Rzales,

I think Bevel gave some good advice!  Another idea would be to talk to your mom about a few examples of symptoms and say something like, "I'm concerned that it may be a side effect of one of your other medicaitons (assuming she's on some).  I want to talk to the doctor about this because I want to keep you safe, happy and healthy.  If it's as simple as changing a medication or a dosage, we need to investigate it!"  I know it's kind of a false pretense, but it may keep your mom from refusing the appointment or feeling negative about it.

Please keep let us know how it goes!

Thanks to everyone who gave advice!

I'll let you know the outcome when we talk.

Rzales

Bevel,  loved your suggestions about approaching your mom when she is in a good mood and just trying again later if she is not receptive the first time.

I did want to comment on one thing you said about your mom.  There is no such thing as "old age dementia of some sort which is normal of people in her age group".  While over 50% of people over 85 develop dementia, that does not make it "normal"!  She might have Mild Cognitive Impairment or the doctor may be saying that she has some form of early stage dementia but he is not sure which one.  Also, an MRI is only one of many tools used for diagnosing dementias, as they are diagnosed by exclusion and rule out.  Excuse me, please, if I am being to emphatic or difficult about this, but my father was told some time ago he had "normal aging related dementia" which confused him and all of us, and we lost about 18 months of time when we were making the wrong assumptions about the care he would need, the cost of that care, and the appropriate medical treatment.  I am not trying to discourage you but I feel angry when doctors minimize dementia symptoms this way.  I can tell you are very caring and sensitive to your mom, and are doing a good job taking care of her.

Judithmft,  "the test findings indicated that my mom did not have alzheimers', not even a small scarring on the brain, the test was perfect and concluded that she was just experiencing old age dementia of some sort which is normal of people in her age group"  It should have  been written the "test was perfect and the Doctor concluded that she was experiencing  old age dementia.....")  Dementia was the conclusion of her primary care doc. based on the (MRI) specialist findings.

That is quite interesting that some doctors will pass it off as dementia being a normal phase,here. You are relating so much logic here...because I can think back and I don't recall my Grandmom and some other close aged friends/relatives who experience any form of dementia...As a matter of fact my Granny died at 95y/o and her mom at 98 y/o and they both never experience any form of dementia what-so-ever....how normal is that? I must agree with you on this one and thanks for the insight....it makes you wonder about some of the care physicians...hun.

Thanks and rzales I hope things turned out ok for you....happy T'Day.