Hi ! I'm new here and for quite some time my mom has been showing symptoms of "Old Timer's"...She's kinda yound ( only 61 right now) but my grandmother did the same thing. My mom is showing mood swings, angry behavior, etc. It is really saddening for me, my husband & our daughter to watch. Our daughter just turned 7 and doesn't really understand what is happening with Grandma at this point. For me, it's scary because, when my grandmother was showing symptoms like these, it was only 1 1/2 years before she passed away. Just last night Ma was jumping all over me for something I hadn't even done. I am 7 1/2 months pregnant and I was in tears ! I can see what's happening but I'm not sure that she can. I was not expecting this to happen so soon. This saddens me so much. Are there any suggestions regarding what I can do when my mom acts like this? PLEASE let me know....

anamariedoan,

It is very understandable that you are saddened by your situation. Changes in behavior and personality are very normal symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, and some family members argue they are the hardest to cope with. Often people find when they are falsely accused of doing something by their loved one it is best to apologize and change the subject to something pleasant. It is best not to reason with the person, or try to explain to them very detailed situations. People with Alzheimer’s disease in mid to later stages are cognitively incapable of reasoning, and often times they become agitated and confused because others try to reason with them. We understand how difficult this can be, many family members find it hard not to reason and explain things especially when they are accused and hurt by the words of their loved one.

You are in a very difficult situation, and are asking a really good question. This forum "Chat guide" is here to help members start chat room groups. In the future please start threads and post on the Caregivers Forum which is designed to address these kinds of concerns. Please re-create this same thread in the Caregivers forum so that you can get responses from other caregivers who may have been through similar situations.

Sincerely,
Jaimie E.
Care Consultant

I am so sorry this is happening...especially right now when your expecting another miracle in your life.

Just remember, like I know you do, that she's not doing it on purpose. She has a disease, but, do you know for sure what it is? Did your Grandmother show symptoms so early? Somehow, convince your Mom to go see a Neurologist NOW...it could be something other than AD that is curable...let her know that.

If it is AD, then please check the Enbrel for Alzheimer's Thread in this forum in the Medications and Treatments thread. Enbrel is not approved for AD, but my Mom and only about 80 other people in the world are getting the treatment, and it is working for them. Not slowing it down, but stopping the progression.
Also, there are many many supplements that some people swear by, and if you start now, they may help...but I do know that the Enbrel works and is more effective than anything else out there, in my opinion. No one in Arizona is doing the treatment yet, but you can ask your Neurologist if they would be interested in learning about it and getting trained.

Remember though, it may not be AD...could even be hormonal or stress..

Take care of yourself and that new little one that is on the way...

Felicia