Hi
I am so stuck. We believe that my Mom has some sort of Alz or something and I don't know where I can get ANY answers or help. She will not clean herself, can't see 2 ft in front of herself yet goes to work everyday, eats only candy, and has feces all over the bathroom. Does this sound like anything to any of you?

MichelleJ,

Has she been to a doctor to give her a test for memory. It only consists of basic questions.
Then if the doctor feels she needs medicine he may prescribe Aricept.
Does she have trouble also remembering?
I know this is very troubling to see.
There is Ensure, you can buy at a grocery store, that she can drink. I think Strawberry is the favorite. It will give her the nutrients she needs.
Both for you and your Mom get some medical help. You need to know what to do and what to understand about what is happening with your Mom. Lots of luck, Sandra22

Dear Michelle: I am an RN whose mother has dementia. You do not have a diagnosis yet. I can tell you that your mother's changes in behavior and symptoms can be caused by many different conditions both physical and mental.

YOUR MOTHER COULD BE IN VERY SERIOUS DANGER DEPENDING ON WHAT IS CAUSING HER CONDITION!!! PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL HELP IMMEDIATELY ON AN URGENT BASIS!

So, first things first. She must be taken to an Internist who will do a complete workup for all causes for her condition. If after all lab tests and scans, it appears that she has dementia, then I recommend that you get her to a Neurologist. Neurologists are the experts on dementias. When first diagnosed, you need this expertise.

An accurate and correct diagnosis of the type of dementia is imperative. Not all dementias are Alzheimers, and not all dementias are the same.

Please note again: Your mother may not have dementia but have another condition. Please get an "urgent" appointment - one within 48 hours. If mother has no doctor, please get her to an emergency room within a few days. You are doing the right thing to seek assistance.

Please write back and let us know how things turn out, we all care.

Michelle, I agree with Johanna. Do not just assume she has dementia. There are several very real possibilities. Do take her to a doctor ASAP!!