Dementia?

[Kettl]

Hi all,

My mother is 79 and has recently been displaying some traits that I’m not sure are just old age or dementia. Even she is getting a little concerned. This week she turned up to an appointment on the wrong day, forgot her pin at the ATM and turned up a week early to a funeral and didn’t realise she was at the wrong one until seated and looking at the program. She has said that she can’t seem to cook anything properly anymore and is getting overwhelmed easily. When driving I’ve noticed she is slow but ok unless she is talking to me and then she seems to veer into the bike lane and not notice. She has been under a lot of stress and we lost my sister ( to whom she was a carer) to addiction last Christmas. She has probably shown signs for a year really but I was putting it down to the stress that the situation with my sister was causing.

I will try and broach comming to her next G.P appointment and see if she will discuss it with the G.P. If she will not can I make an appointment with the g.p to discuss without her? It’s just me in relation to family and just need to know next steps to take. Thanks

[Ladyredfox]

Please please understand that your mother must stop driving.You are obviously a deeply caring person and would greatly suffer if your mother were involved in an accident or, God forbid, caused one.

[ChristianElliott Partner]

Welcome to the community. The observations you shared about your mother do indicate an ongoing level of cognitive impairment. Suggest scheduling an appointment with her GP, and yes, you should go with her if possible.

[PhenMichel]

The problems you described show she may have started this disease. A lot of stress can’t cause the inability to cook and go to a funeral week before it starts. It would be best if you were careful and attentive when with her and never let her drive her car again. She may be offended and frustrated and not believe she has some disease. In such a case, I suggest your GP tell her first about a diagnosis if she has it. Then it is better not to let her live alone. Please search on the internet for available assisted living in your area and be ready to provide her with life there seniorsite.org/assisted-living . You won’t handle the disease alone without medical help in the next stages.