It seems like this past 1-2 weeks, mom has really begun to fail mentally. She can no longer manage her pills at all... she forgot her hair appointment today. Thing is, I reminded her last night @ 9:00 before bed, and then again when she called @ 10:00 this morning and by 11:10 she said, "oh, I have an appointment??"
Also she is getting more shaky. I took her to the dr last week because of her fatigue and weakness. But from the onset of symptoms to the time we got there 2 days later, she made what seemed like a great recovery.
Now last night, doesn't feel well again. We have a neurologist appt on March 3. But I really am wondering what the heck is going on lately. I made her drink a bottled water today on her way to the hairdresser. I think maybe she is dehydrated as she drinks coffee, sprite, and that's it. Trying to get her on more water. But this confusion of late seems to have springed up. Is there any reason it could be jumping like this?
1) The onset of an infection or other illness. Often the increased dementia symptoms come first.
2) A drug reaction -- wrong dose, wrong drug, wrong combination of drugs, etc. Usually this will show up soon after starting a new drug, but it could occur any time.
3) A progression of the dementia itself.
If the cause is illness or drugs, the dementia can get back to its baseline when the cause is cleared up. If this is a true progression of the dementia then the best you can expect is to change the treatment plan to try to mitigate the new symptoms.
Dementia progresses. Some kinds of dementia progress in a fairly predictable pattern, gradually getting worse. Other kinds progress in fits and starts, seeming much worse one day and better by afternoon and worse again in two days. But either way, the disease does get worse over time.
I am glad you are seeing her doctor in just a couple of weeks. Keep a notebook of all the ups and downs until then, so the doctor has a good picture of what is going on.
I am so sorry you are going through this. It is a hard journey. Your mother is lucky to have you by her side.
I truly wonder if even the doctors can get it right figuring out what is wrong with elderly people.m Personally I don't go to one unless something is dropping off lol
Please keep us updated. We're all here for you.
I thought about it and I think it "might?" be related to her change in pills.... - you see, she was confused about "all the bottles" (she has 3... hello) but I said ok here we go; I will get you a weekly little pill box! Problem solved, right? wrong. This week has been hell.... she insists on knowing daily "what is the pink one for?" "What is the green pill for?" "How about the white pill?" Finally I just wrote her a description on a piece of paper so she could refer to it. I'd like to say, "Just TAKE THEM! The doctor prescribed them and I am tired of repeating myself every day" but I know that would upset her so I figured writing it where she can see it would work.
It didn't, because now she can't think which day she is on.
UGH!
So I am going to keep them in the pill box but I am going to have to "administer" (i hate that word) them to her... I'll just be there to see to it she takes them.
I think she either took them 2x in one day...
or didn't take anything at all for a few days...
I'm almost hoping that's all it is... It could certainly be enough to create an issue with an almost 91 year old woman who weighs 95 lbs...
As to weakness, dizziness, etc. -- once I paid attention to what Mom was eating, I realized it was all loaded with sodium. Not a good thing for someone with blood pressure over 200! So we revamped her eating habits, and now Mom is off all blood pressure meds because it is all within normal range.
An aide/companion will help you both tremendously. With luck, you might find a kindly, loving neighbor who would like to make a few extra bucks on the QT. Which would be a win-win for all involved. Good luck!
i really like the suggestion of keeping notes for the doctor, so he understands your concern and sees the big picture. keep us posted
See All Answers