[ataloss]

Hi,
I'm new here, hoping to find some help/advice.
My mom is 69, and for the last 17-20 years has had mood swings, forgets stuff, and things 'they' are listening to phone conversations, break into the house, move stuff around and steal things of no worth (like one tomato).
It's gotten slightly worse over the years, although I'm not a good judge of that as I'm 32, and have only really been 'watching' this for the last 6 years or so, when my dad passed away. When I say this has been going on for around 20 years - I say that because I remember her at that point accusing us of stealing things/moving things around/saying there must be 'ghosts', but obviously wasn't really engaging and trying to figure out what was going on.

Anyway - I was hoping I might get some advice on what's going on and what to do. We live in Germany at the moment, my mom doesn't speak German that well, she refuses to go see doctors in general because 'they killed your (my) father' (he died of a heart attack - no one killed anyone). How do I get a diagnosis. How do I stay sane myself to cope with this?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Dr. Smith]

Hi Ataloss, Welcome.

Whew... we're not doctors here, but from family experience, (and there's no easy way to say it) it sounds like some form of dementia—perhaps Alzheimers Disease—perhaps not.

IMO, the issue isn't whether she should be seen by a doctor, but how to get her to see one for a geriatric assessment evaluation.

A typical Case of Motherly Dementia

Once a diagnosis can be determined, support and guidance are available.

There are Alzheimers and Dementia forums here where other folks may have some ideas/suggestions for you.

Best Wishes,

Doc

[terig]

I have a central nervous system that is hyperactive and am in a lot of pain and have trouble walking due to leg weakness....however....I have had mood swings for 20 years and have been on Prozac....I was on Cymbalta for a while as it is supposed to help with pain as well as anxiety....but it made me crave sweets...went back on old reliable Prozac...but really...I have had some mental health training in social work and you mother sounds like something other than bi polar is going on...do you have a family dr that could help.

Originally Posted by ataloss

Hi,
I'm new here, hoping to find some help/advice.
My mom is 69, and for the last 17-20 years has had mood swings, forgets stuff, and things 'they' are listening to phone conversations, break into the house, move stuff around and steal things of no worth (like one tomato).
It's gotten slightly worse over the years, although I'm not a good judge of that as I'm 32, and have only really been 'watching' this for the last 6 years or so, when my dad passed away. When I say this has been going on for around 20 years - I say that because I remember her at that point accusing us of stealing things/moving things around/saying there must be 'ghosts', but obviously wasn't really engaging and trying to figure out what was going on.

Anyway - I was hoping I might get some advice on what's going on and what to do. We live in Germany at the moment, my mom doesn't speak German that well, she refuses to go see doctors in general because 'they killed your (my) father' (he died of a heart attack - no one killed anyone). How do I get a diagnosis. How do I stay sane myself to cope with this?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Darlene]

ataloss,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[MelodyL]

Originally Posted by ataloss

Hi,
I'm new here, hoping to find some help/advice.
My mom is 69, and for the last 17-20 years has had mood swings, forgets stuff, and things 'they' are listening to phone conversations, break into the house, move stuff around and steal things of no worth (like one tomato).
It's gotten slightly worse over the years, although I'm not a good judge of that as I'm 32, and have only really been 'watching' this for the last 6 years or so, when my dad passed away. When I say this has been going on for around 20 years - I say that because I remember her at that point accusing us of stealing things/moving things around/saying there must be 'ghosts', but obviously wasn't really engaging and trying to figure out what was going on.

Anyway - I was hoping I might get some advice on what's going on and what to do. We live in Germany at the moment, my mom doesn't speak German that well, she refuses to go see doctors in general because 'they killed your (my) father' (he died of a heart attack - no one killed anyone). How do I get a diagnosis. How do I stay sane myself to cope with this?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

Hi there. Welcome. So sorry you are going through this. I hope that you can get your mom to a mental health professional (or even a regular doctor) so she can be examined. This might not even be a mental health matter. She might be deficient in something (yes, this can happen and some deficiencies can affect brain chemistry. ). But if she doesn't get examined, well, I just don't know.

You have a lot on your shoulders. Please keep posting.

Take care, Melody