Is extreme anxiety common with elderly or is it early dementia?

It is definitely a balancing act! It is hard to say what may be causing the anxiety. It could be a combination of things. My advice is to take your mother to the doctor to have a physical and a good once over from her primary physician. Put a summary together in writing about situations you have had with your mother in regards to her anxiety and what lead to the episode to have for her doctor. Also do you have friends and family members that may be able to offer support and assistance to help you manage your total balancing act! Wishing you strength, courage and happiness with those in their days gone by!
Deanna

sosad, Just your avatar makes me want to cry every time I see it:( I feel for you and your situation. How old is your Mother? If you would fill out your profile with a bit more info, we who care can be of more assistance to you.
Are you near a big city, or are you in a rural area? Has a doctor put her through a cognitive test? That is simply done by asking her specific questions in a regular visit. Perhaps she is depressed, or has IBD, which can be exacerbated by anxiety.
You mention "another problem with your Mother"--what is the first problem? If you could answer these things, it would give us a better idea:)
Take care, ss2. Hugs, Christina

Actually, I am pinning down what the causes of anxiety are, and I talked to her doctor -- he just says she needs a psychiatrist. Let me tell ya -- it's very difficult to find someone who can work with the elderly. I do not have other family members around to help and friends -- even though they try -- it is not long term -- it would be a help once a month or so, because everyone in this society is too busy.

Can your mom walk on her own or needs help. ?
Before seeing psycho Dr see if you can spend time together and take her out shopping or church function.
Psych dr will give her an antidepressants. Is she taking meds now that might be causing her discomfort? Check for a uti. Hope she's feeling better soon.

I just realized this post above my answer was in 2011 and it's 2015. Oops.