I believe that my mom has early on-set of Alzeheimers, but she has not been diagnosised yet. (She just turned 60). I'm frustrated, because as the oldest children of three I have suggested several times (based on behavior) that our mom at least get assessed. My dad keeps thinking it's just stressed, but the signs and happenings are getting worse and more often. On a recent visit to my parents house, I found post it notes all over the house on how to do things and where things were. My mom spent most of her time looking for things she couldn't find....brush, jacket, ie.......it's sad because my kids and I were there for a visit and her time was spent doing that. Most of the time when we ask what she's looking for we'll ask if it's in obvious places (ie, jacket in closet) and it was there all along. She is also very confused when it comes to plans. Example; I tell her,"mom, the kids and I are going to the park"....few minutes later she'll ask "why are you leaving now; where are you going"...."mom, we're going to the park".....

I'm very scared, but as the child don't know how much I can push the envelope. I want to call her primary physician, but feel that would be stepping on toes. All of our extended family is coming to me with concerns, and I feel helpless.

Please help!!!

Tami,

This is such a hard time for you and your extended family.

I would not hesitate to call her Primary Care Doc. He can easily come up with other ways to introduce the subject during a routine visit.

Is she driving? That would be my biggest concern. Has she burned things on the stove?

There are activities that can become dangerous if she has dementia. Maybe your father can be approached from a safety angle.

Also, the sooner she starts meds, the better the result.

What is your dad's mental state like? He may have some issues that he is avoiding and is in denial about hers too. Often, those closest have seen such a slow change that they are not concerned.

You could put limits on your visits, such as, Mom can't take the kids in the car unless she has been evaluated.

This is a difficult time but important to address. If her memory is so bad, have you addressed her directly? Maybe she will agree to go with you to her doctor.

If you put your concerns in the context of "Mom, I'm scared about your memory problems. Will you see the doctor so I am not so scared?"

My best to you as you struggle.

quote:

Originally posted by Tami F:
I believe that my mom has early on-set of Alzeheimers, but she has not been diagnosised yet.

I'm very scared, but as the child don't know how much I can push the envelope. I want to call her primary physician, but feel that would be stepping on toes. All of our extended family is coming to me with concerns, and I feel helpless.

Please help!!!

Hello Tami, my name is Tom and I want to WELCOME you to this board that is designed for people like you and I! I’m sorry to hear about your problems.

In June of 2008 (age 58) I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s related dementia. I began visiting this message board in August 2008 and the people have become important to me. I’m sure that you will find a number of supporters here for you. Mark in Idaho has already responded with some good questions and suggestions. I agree that it is important to get her involved in helping you. That is a great angle to get her into the doctors office. I hope the MD will send you to a Neurologist for evaluation.

I will attach a link to a site that will lead you to your local Alzheimer’s Association
Chapter. Those people will be able to assist you with local resources and thoughts to improve your life:

http://www.alz.org/apps/findus.asp

Please call the 24/7 Helpline at
1-800-272-3900 if you have any pressing issues!


For Elder Care:
http://www.eldercare.gov/Eldercare/Public/Home.asp

http://www.eldercarelink.com/p...KMvJgCFQHHGgodEUfpag

You might find more supporters in the Caregiver's forum.

Please come on back to visit us soon!

Serenity Prayer
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Hi Tami,
I just wanted to add my welcome to Mark and Tom's. I know this is a difficult time for you and your family. Don't give up on your Mom. Please, try to help she and your Dad find out what the problem is. Sounds like a lot more than just stress!
Please, remember safety is number 1. Perhaps you can do that route with your folks??

Good Luck. Please, keep us posted.

Dear Tami, Welcome to these message boards. You have come to the right place for information and advice. The others have given you good advice. Realize also that many condition can cause memory loss and confusion. Alzheimer's disease is a diagnosis of exclusion, after you have ruled out treatable causes of memory loss, such as vitamin deficiency, TIAs (mini-strokes), drug interactions, and head trauma, among others. Write down your concerns and bring them with you to the doctor. Read the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Disease on this website's home page under Alzheimer's Disease. That will help you clarify your communication with the doctor.

Please keep us informed of the progress you are making in your mother's evaluation.

Iris L.