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“It’s still snowing outside.” I look at the empty butter dish and say “I need to get out some more cheese.” This is scaring me and I’m not sure what to do.

Living in fear just traps us. Your concern is understandable and the best way to find answers and alleviate the fear is by seeing your doctor and sharing what you have here. I have an adult son with a serious birth defect with lifelong complications. We learned long ago that answers, even ones containing negative news, are far better than living in uncertainty and fear. Knowledge is power, it lets you research, let family in, plan, and have an idea of next steps if needed. Sometimes it just reassures. Please seek a complete medical evaluation. I hope you’ll let us know how it goes. I wish you much peace
Helpful Answer (27)
Reply to Daughterof1930
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I’m sorry you are feeling fearful about your situation. Occasionally mixing up words or concepts can happen at any age, especially with fatigue, stress, distraction, poor sleep, anxiety, hearing issues, or normal aging. But since you are noticing repeated mix-ups like calling rain “snow” or confusing “butter” and “cheese,” it is reasonable to pay attention to it at your age. A good next step is to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor for a cognitive evaluation. Many causes of word confusion are treatable. But because you are noticing it yourself, it is worth discussing with a doctor sooner rather than later. Good luck and my prayers are with you.
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Reply to Vross3734
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https://www.agingcare.com/questions/senior-siblings-angry-because-i-wont-take-younger-sister-into-my-home-to-be-her-caregiver-497637.htm

I wish you had told us your age when posted in January. I would have told you that being the age of 77 is a good reason not to care for someone else.

Did you take on your sisters care, if so, this maybe why you are experiencing what you are. Stress can do this to you. So if you did take on the care of your sister you may want to tell family you can't do it any longer because its effecting your mental health. And, get to that doctor.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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See the doctor. Request full blood work including for vitamin deficiencies and thyroid disease. Dehydration and stress can cause cognitive issues. First rule out all the physical stuff. As said below, knowing is better than not knowing.
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Reply to SamTheManager
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Have you tried going to your doctor and sharing with them what you've shared with us here? If not, please call and make an appointment today.
It's always best to find out what's going on so you know exactly what you're dealing with.
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Reply to funkygrandma59
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Make an appointment with a neurologist. You may have to get a referral from your primary doctor. A neurologist will do testing and can give you answers.
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Reply to CaringWifeAZ
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I agree you need to speak with your doctor. However, my husband and I have always done this randomly even when young. I remember getting things mixed up like this in high school. I think stress or lack of sleep can play a part, but better to get a full evaluation from your doctor.
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Reply to JustAnon
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I share your fears. I am seeking to see a neurologist.
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Reply to ChosenRoad
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Have you been checked for a UTI? I realize my answer is days old, but I would start there. UTIs can cause really weird symptoms in older people. Otherwise I think everyone here has given great advice about talking to your PCP first. Neurologist, too, but it can take months to get in to see one (at least where I live), so start with your PCP and go from there.
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Reply to StacyAa
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You should talk to your doctor about it. I have brought the subject up with my doctor. They can't help you if they don't know you're having problems.
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Reply to MTNester1
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