Hello, I am new to this forum and actually this is the first time I have ever posted to any forum. So I hope I do this correctly. I recently lost my father to an extended illness and now I think my Mother is showing signs of dementia. At first I thought it was confusion associated with grief. She recently broke her wrist and is stayed at my home for 10 days and she constantly would asked the same questions over and over. So much so that we would finish a conversation about someone and the next sentence was... I have been meaning to ask you about so and so. The same person! This would happen 10-12 times a day. Also my Mom and I met someone at a gathering and had a conversation with this person ad my Mother stepped away to get a coke and she returned to introduce herself to the person we just had met. I am distressed to think of her beginning the dementia and now as I contemplate the last couple of years I think she has been exhibiting these signs for a while. I guess I am writing to ask what do I do now? Do I tell her she needs to be evaluated. Do I broach this subject on the heels of my fathers death 9 months ago? and now a broken arm? I suspect I know the answer and wonder if anyone else has some advise for me. I would welcome any words of wisdom. Deb

Hi debf and welcome to NeuroTalk. I'm so sorry that you recently lost your father and are now, rightfully concerned about your mother. Here is the link to our Dementia Forum...http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum97.html

I hope you will find some answers and support there.

Feel free to look around and post anywhere. I'm glad you've joined us but sorry for the reason that brought you.

Hi Deb, and welcome to NeuroTalk! I am so sorry about your dad. I hope you can find answers for your mom's memory problems.

This is a great place to hang out, with lots of friendly and helpful people.

Hi Deb,

I'm sorry for the loss of your father. And now to have this with your mom must be a big worry.

I went through the same thing with both parents.

With my mom it was very similar to what you describe with your own mom.

She started to confide in me some things, like once she'd gotten lost on her way home from the pharmacy that was only two blocks from her apartment at the high rise. Not long after that I had a call in the middle of the night. She was waiting at the front door of her building with her coat on. She thought we were going shopping and wondered when I'd get there. (I lived 65 miles away.) When I asked her if she knew what time it was she got scared (it was 2am and dark outside). I made her promise to go back to her room and go to bed. She said she would then told me not to tell my sister what happened.

She didn't recognize many relatives shortly after this.

You should probably take your mom to the doctor and let him or her know what's happening. Also, make sure her financial records are in order. My mom had maxed out her credit card with Reader's Digest telemarketers. She had all this stuff they sent her and no way to pay for it. Also a Sears telemarketer sold her long term, overpriced whole life insurance.

Keep us posted, there are probably people here who have more tips than this. Try not to worry too much. We're here if you need us.

welcome to neurotalk ... there are lots of friendly and supportive people here so jump right in and start posting ... should you need help, don't hesitate to ask someone ... we are here to help ... again ...

Welcome to NeuroTalk!! So glad you joined us!

Helo deb and welcome to NeuroTalk. So sorry for your loss and also for your concern about your Mother. My MIL has dementia and started displaying some of the same characteristics that you noted. However, I am not saying that is what is going on w/your dear Mother. My advice would be to keep notes and discuss all of this w/her Dr. It's rough and so confusing for the both of you.

I am glad you found NT; everyone here is so friendly and helpful. I hope you take a look around and feel welcome. Take care.

Hi again Deb,

I should have emphasized in my post that your Mom may not have the same thing mine did. I didn't mean to give you more worry. Maybe she's just a little depressed or something? I know that many people with depression can have memory lapses or increased anxiety. I hope it's just something minor and easily treated for your Mom.

Thank you for your advice. I met with a friend today whose Mother has Alzheimer's and her suggestion to me was to have her talk to a therapist about my fathers death. She too thought my Mom may be depressed. My fears are that she is beginning dementia because her mother at the same age started with her dementia that left her without any knowledge of who anyone was. It was all too sad. Thank you for your kindness. Deb

You're very welcome Deb. We're here if you need us.