Question:
I have run out of options so thought I would ask some questions here . my mom is 62 and has been doing some strange things. She believes my dad and is out to get her and has people hiding in the attic mainly her kids and you can't convince her any different. I have tried to talk to her but it dosen't help . She has gone to her dr and actually told him that this is going on but now she refuses to go back as she thinks he has cured her . I am not sure if this is a sign of Alzheimers or not has anyone had any experience like this ?
Answer:
HI!
It sounds like it could be Alzheimer's or one of the other types of dementia.
It is imperative that your Mom gets a proper diagnosis as soon as possible, because Early Onset AD can be helped by drugs, whereas in later stages, the medicines have no effect.
If you can get your Mom to a doctor (ask her GP for the name of a good neurologist) who can do a few standard tests, she could be put on a medicine that makes a big difference - for awhile.
However, there are many other conditions which mimic Dementia - some are caused by thyroid problems, some are caused by depression, blood clots or bleeding in the brain, or even a tumor. That's why you HAVE to use all your resources (cajoling, promises, rewards, fibs) to get her to a neurologist in time. She may have even had a mini stroke no one noticed.
With a little bit of luck it will be a problem that has a solution - not like Alzheimer's which continually gets worse.
I wish you luck, and ask if you would please keep in touch here so we will find out what the outcome is. This Board has been a lifeline to me. My Mom has old age dementia. I am older than your mother!
Love,
Martha
Answer:
Hi -
I echo Martha's good advice - your mother needs to see a neurologist as soon as possible to have all fixable causes of her symptoms ruled out before any doctor decides it's AD. If she's on prescription medicines, she could even just be taking them incorrectly.
Since your mother is exhibiting odd symptoms, you may have to over rule her. If she refuses to go to the doctor again or to the neurologist, call an ambulance, and take her to the ER saying you're concerned she may have had a stroke and tell about her delusions.
Be sure the legal ducks are in a row - you or someone needs to have Durable Power of Attorney for her and soon. If her problem is something that causes increasing confusion, it can become too late for her to competently sign those legal documents. An eldercare lawyer can help with this - check with the family lawyer if you have one, the county bar association, in the phone book, or do an on-line search to find one.
Since you're wondering about AD, read the sticky at the top of this thread called 7 Stages of Alzheimer's and see if any of that information parallels your mother's behaviors. If so, copy, print that and take it to her doctor so he can see what you have observed and can be of more help.
Come back anytime. We're often here, we understand, and we care....
Wishing you well! Barbara
Answer:
Thank you for responding to my question ! My mom has been to a neurologist and they found nothing so her GP looked at all the meds she is taking to see they could be interacting but there was nothing to set off and alarm there either .
Jean
Answer:
I know that this sounds silly. But try to take your mom to another neurologist if possiable.
Good luck, I hope you find the cause. And before you take her to the doctor, try charting her actions, reactions and behaviors for a few weeks. Maybe some carefully made notes on her behaviors will help the doctor to make a better diagnosis.
Hope this helps.