I'm Worried About My Mum

[silliemillie]

Sorry if this is a long one but I'm worried about my Mum.

She's 80 so I suppose I should expect some forgetfulness etc.

But just lately she is getting worse and also confused.

Some examples -

Last week we washed all our curtains and cleaned Windows, that was about 6 days ago, tonight she says "are we doing the curtains next week", "no Mum, we did them last week".

The other day I said I was just popping to the shop cos I wanted to get back for my program. I was longer than I thought so when I got back it was mid way through. Mum is sitting in front of the TV but said to me, "it's not started yet", "mum, it's on now", "oh wasn't really paying attention".

These sort of things happen every day. Should I be worried?

[murraymints]

just keep an eye on her....at 80 some forgetfulness is to be expected..if she forgets how to do things or use things around the home then call in doctor !

[jourdain2]

From the examples you give, yes, I would be beginning to worry. I forget things very often (but no more than I always have - I refuse to clutter my mind with unnecessary things, so make lists). Do you have any siblings? Does your mum have any friends you could mention your concerns to? Talk to them, if so, and see what they think. Otherwise I would be seeking medical advice - in a general sort of way. Good luck.

P.S. Age is no real indicator, Mr. J2 will be 84 next week and is as sharp as ever and as forgetful as ever. I've known much younger people developing serious problems.

[silliemillie]

Thanks, yes I will keep an eye on her,

I have mentioned to my brother but he only sees her once a week whereas she lives with me so I notice all the little things building up.

Suppose there's not a lot I can do for now.

[murraymints]

also if she starts forgetting the names of everyday items or make use of things incorrectly ...

[jourdain2]

It may help you to start noting episodes which cause concern. Then you would be able to see any acceleration. Sometimes changes can be quite rapid. It may also help you when you talk to your brother if you can give concrete examples.

[-SharonA-]

It sounds like the onset of dementia. My dad was the same, he even thought I was his wife. See the doctor, mine was so helpful, I got plenty of help. But sadly he getting worse and has the violent kind of dementia.

[silliemillie]

Yes, I've been thinking about recent examples, there are definitely more the past couple of months. Getting her to a Dr might be tricky as she's 'old school' about only seeing a Dr if you're really ill but I will give it my best shot.

[gness]

Sillie.....my mum was the same about going to the doctor at our suggestion.....we were getting worried about her forgetfulness and behaviour....

I had a word with her GP...he was super....he said he would visit her on the pretence of having to check up on and having a home visit with every patient over eighty.

She accepted that and was delighted......and we just took it from there.....x

[douglas9401]

We're at the beginning of this with my MiL.
It's very worrying, I know. All good thoughts to you.

[Barsel]

I was talking about this with someone just recently and I wondered whether there are any guidelines about dementia? When should we start to worry that maybe we, or someone we know, might have it?Hope your Mums GP will be able to put your mind at ease millie.x

[silliemillie]

Thanks for all you kind words. X

[mazie]

Do it sooner rather than later, it could be early onset Dementia and Your Mum could get some help. I've went through it with My Mum and it hurts like hell. xx

[anneasquith]

My friend has noticed similar behaviour with her father, she and he have seen gp. memory clinic and waiting on CAT scan, she is aware rapid investigation is important . good luck.

[jno]

actually ... forgetting whether the curtains were last week or next week doesn't seem too bad. I routinely forget which rubbish bin goes out on which days (so I write it down). And often enough I'm not really paying attention to what's going on on the telly either.

But I haven't got dementia, my mind works fine. Sometimes forgetfulness is just forgetfulness. Keep an eye on her but I wouldn't worry too much unless it's getting noticeably worse or causing actual problems

[Everhelpful]

Is there a difference between Dementia and Alzheimers?

[Jackdaw33]

As far as I am aware Alzheimer's is a disease of the brain which causes dementia. Haven't researched it though.

[Everhelpful]

Thanks,Jack,my GP couldn't answer it either.

[Mamyalynne]

Everhelpful - often the two overlap, this site is quite clear to read about it.


http://www.healthline.com/health/alzheimers-disease/difference-dementia-alzheimers

[Mamyalynne]

Silliemillie, I haven't been through this so I am glad you have had some great advice here tonight - take care and I wish you and Mum well x

[Sqad]

It seems that in these modern times one can't get old, one has to develop DEMENTIA of one kind of another.
The symptoms that you mother has developed, could well be due to the ageing process and to be expected.
However, just have a chat to your GP as these symptoms could be due to may other things, nothing to do with "dementia" such as certain types of anaemia e.g Pernicious anaemia.
Just a practical point.....even if it was due to dementia, I doubt that any medication could modify it's progress.
See you GP