Wow things are really getting tough with my mom. She is swearing at all of us telling us to get out of her house. She will no longer let me clean her up. She is agressive towards my 80 yr old dad. She thinks he's having an affair with his therapist (not true)and has been mean ever since. In her mind she saw it and we don't believe her so we're the enemy. We can't afford a home but are concerned for my dad. Help!
Oh, Robin, how frustrating! I'm so sorry. Has she been evaluated at all for any possible medications that could help with this? I'm not sure what there might be, but how sad for you. :( Let us know how things are going!
Robin - As LauraL suggested, please have your mother evaluated by her healthcare provider. Any time her behavior takes a change for the worst you need to be sure there is no physical reason for the change. Things like a urinary tract infection can send her into a downward spiral. Also, drug interactions become more of a problem as dementia/Alzheimer's worsens. Medications that caused no problems in the past may begin to cause problems.
Unfortunately, the accusatory/paranoid behavior your are witnessing is common with Alzheimer's disease. However, you must not allow any aggressive behavior towards your father because she may be capable of serious injury to him or to herself. As LauraL said, there are medications that can help this behavior. Please do not delay in seeking professional care. If your mother's primary healthcare provider is not able to help with this situation, ask for a referral to a Geriatrician or Neurologist (Geriatric Neurologist or Neuropsychologist, if available) for their help.
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