My mother is almost 75, for the past several years we’ve noticed severe cognitive decline and from research and help when my grandfather was diagnosed with dementia, we believe she has frontotemporal dementia. Along with the huge change in behavior she cries over little things and very easily, for instance at Christmas she couldn’t open the wrapping on a gift and started crying, or was cold and started crying. It’s rather awkward to deal with especially when asking why she is crying, which causes her to cry more or throw a little tantrum, it’s almost like dealing with a toddler. Anyone else had a similar experience or have advice on dealing with it?
she exhibits frequent, involuntary and uncontrollable outbursts of crying. This condition can be confused with depression and is fairly common in people with neurological conditions like dementia. People with PBA often cry over insignificant or inappropriate issues like not being able to open a wrapping. They wear their emotions on their sleeve to the extreme. A neurologist or neuropsychologist can identify and treat PBA. There is no cure for PBA but meds can reduce the occurance. My wife had PBA while in MC and was succesfully treated for it.
About 18 months before my dad passed away, he was crying at the drop of a pin, which was startling to see as he was never an emotional person. Turned out he had a brain tumor which was altering his personality and behavior quite a bit.
Good luck!
My Mum who is 86 has never been a crier, but social distancing, major surgery in September and a terminally ill younger brother have her crying at a moments notice. Mum does not have dementia, but is very aware that her life is not what it was a year ago. Her twin is showing signs of cognitive decline and it is an additional worry.