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It depends on the level.
Can she make change?
Can she tell you what day it is?
Can she tell you the time with a clock in front of her?
My aunt lost the date thing many years ago. Even with a newspaper in front of her, she couldn’t tell you the date. The loss of the ability to tell time came later.
But she is still driving and watching CNN so she can lecture everyone on how bad that old “Donald Duck” is.
Prayers for you and your. I am sorry, cannot help you. I am sure a FReeper will.
Alzheimers is a diagnosis all it’s own, although a type of Dementia. There are several types of dementia. You might want to contact the Alzheimers association to find out the stages and what happens. Here is some online info:
https://alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/stages
Dementias:
https://www.agingcare.com/Articles/different-forms-of-dementia-138582.htm
Hope this info will help you come to grips with any diagnosis in this area. Be sure to ask doctor about other organizations that can help you understand this type of diagnosis. I have had family members with dementia, it is not easy, and harder on caretaker than patient.
Sorry about your Mother.
I would do some research on the web regarding the medications she is taking, to see whether they could cause dementia.
Otherwise, you might take her to a neurologist, who specializes in dementia and Alzheimer and see if he has any suggestion to slow down the progression.
Dear FRiends,
My sister sent me the list of medication changes last week via email. She suggested that if I have questions, I should contact Mother’s palliative/hospice care nurse. After researching the medications - yes, via internet - and taking notes, I called hospice and was informed the nurse is on vacation.
I am now reaching out to friends who have experienced this situation with a parent or who are nurses.
The caregivers who speak with me state that Mother stays awake most of the night, sleeping during the day. I have also been told that she hallucinates. Although my sister tells me that Mother cannot feed herself, I watched her enjoy a bowl of ice cream. One of the caregivers tells me that Mother remembers the bathing routine but cannot bathe herself without assistance.
When I was home a few weeks ago, she slept all but about twenty minutes of my two-hour visit, during which time I led our conversation by reminding her of events/people she has often fondly recalled. She was able to participate cogently. When my family joined me about a week later, my husband and son had to support her while she walked/shuffled to the car. We drove to the church, homeplace, and family cemetery. I honestly cannot say whether or not she knew who we are, but she did recognize the church and the cemetery, which she noted had not been properly cared for as the grass looked not to have been cut all summer.
During our last two telephone conversations this past weekend, neither I nor my husband could understand what Mother was saying/talking about. She was confused - not unusual, rambling, not making any sense, and slurring words - all unusual to our almost-daily telephone conversations.
If you can/will assist me, I am very much appreciative.
Most sincerely,
~ lyby
Also, dehydration makes the Dementia much worse. If they get dehydrated, they will do strange things like put a knife and fork in every windowsill(BTDT). You have to make sure they are drinking water.
Also, do not allow them to go to the doctor alone if you can. Anything the Dr tells them will not resemble what they tell care givers. My aunt took a 30 day supply of pills in 15 days even though the bottle said 1 per day. She said “That ole doctor” told her two a day.
Combo.
Watched my grandmother go through it - watching my mother start it (undiagnosed - but the signs are there).
Basically it’s a blockage of the neurons in the brain by plaque buildups so the electrical signals can’t fire. Depending on body chemistry that buildup can be fast or slow and that will determine the disease’ progression. It starts out by blocking memories (short term first then long term) then will progress to cognition. In my grandmothers case se was pretty mild for years and could still live alone up until near the end as the prices accelerated and she lost touch with reality altogether.
No real known treatments - the pills are dubious at best and only claim to slow down the process in a percentage of patients.
Not a fun time.
Please please please look into a few things like Keto Diet and Lions Mane Mushrooms. There are at least 2 other mushrooms that have been shown to increase cognitive ability.
Do a google using Alzheimer’s, Keto Diet and Lions Mane.
It's really sad for us as my mother was always the most organized person and the life of the party. These days, she has lost the ability to emote, but still remembers me when I visit. She really doesn't participate in conversations, just sits there and nods, says yes/no, etc... I'm still on the learning curve, trying to better understand what we're faced with as a family. It's an insidious disease. I wish the best for your mother.
A good friend went through this with her husband. It wasn’t until she went to a high school reunion that her old friends heard how bad it had gotten and all insisted he be in 24-hour care. Fortunately, he had long-term-care insurance.
People will tell you when you are being too hard on yourself. Try to listen to them, although it breaks your heart to “put someone in a home.” They love you and will not be “harsh” on your mother. It’s for her safety, and your sanity.
Love and blessings in this difficult time.
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I know no one wants to hear this, but its different with everyone.
I cared for an aunt who you would think is the sweetest little lady, walking down the street carrying a green bag.
Except in the green bag was about $40k in cash. She wore a nice raincoat. No pants or underwear. She was nice for about ten minutes. Then she would accuse you of stealing from her. She called the cops telling them her dead brothers were stealing her money.
Then there is my mom, 88. She has simply slid down the scale. She takes a little time to recognize people. She forgets who you are. Her face looks like she is in pain, searching for words.
So, a lot of this depends on where damage to brain happens, and the basic personality of the affected person.
For some the decline is severe and fast (usually depending on the overall health of the person) and others is a long, winding road.
I am sorry to hear about your Mom. Its tough. But every once in a while my mom just pats the back of my hand and says, “You are a good kid....”
It sucks, but who else is going to do it?
I know that taking lots of Lecithin seems to work to prevent and minimize Alzheimer’s, at least in my family.
Prayers up.
Take on full duty on her medications.
The doctors will mess her up just as likely as any disease will.
GET HER OFF ANY PAIN MEDS and benzos or at least figure out the minimum she needs.
My MIL was delusional but, I saved her life.
(Sometimes I regret it)
I have no advice for you, but prayers up for your mother and for you and your family.
Missing my dear late mother, who had dementia the last few years of her life.
I certainly don’t want to give anyone false hope, but there have been studies that suggest removing sugar, starches, and grains from the diet can help slow the progression. Eating veggies that have very low carb count, and berries tomatoes, and avocados,, which are the only low carb fruits, and increasing fats, such as animal fats and olive oil. Basically, a keto diet. I am 66, and when I follow the keto diet, I feel better, and my brain seems to work better. My mother died from dementia. She had been losing memory for several years, then just went downhill and stopped eating. Spend as much time with her as you can. I have a lot of regrets that I didn’t spend enough time with my mom.
Not really any help with your post but just something I came across last night/this morning because I don’t sleep well. Looking up Englbert Humperdink songs and came across a youtube channel by a son helping his father thru this. They sing! The Songaminute Man on youtube.
singing quando,quando,quando: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UQ5mjFzHTA
Hospice? So she has something else terminal? That could be a blessing. Otherwise, you are looking at a long, painful experience with no happy ending. A short painful experience is much to be preferred.
I wouldn’t sweat Alzheimer’s if she is already in Hospice.
Prayers for her and you first.
Second, my neighbor’s pushing 70. Over a year ago she was taken away after being diagnosed with Alzheimers. They brought her back about 6 weeks later. Misdiagnosis. She gets help from another woman on the block but not a lot. She’s still fairly functional and knows who and what.
Get a 2nd Opinion.
Before you leapt into an alternative cure check them thoroughly. The world is infested with con artists.
Prepare yourself for a lot of online reading. Some of those alternative cures/palliatives may actually work, just make sure you Know what’s up first.
And More Prayers for her and you.
There is a HUGE difference......Dementia does NOT kill your body, only your mind...Alzheimer’s kills both....sadly.