Why does mom have trouble writing cards, addressing envelopes, spelling?

The Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease are described on this site. A person with Alzheimer's cannot learn new skills or relearn old skills that have been lost. I understand the loss that you are experiencing with this, it hurts watching a loved one decline and my heart goes out to you while you witness this with your mother. My mother cannot recognize her own hand writing anymore. There is also a condition that the elderly get...don't know the name of it...but it causes them to shake when writing...not Parkinson's. I am so sorry to tell you that forgetfulness, confusion, paranoia, change in personality, and not being able to take care of themselves, finances all point to Alz/dementia. I know this may be difficult for you to accept but if her dr.'s have diagnosed her as such...she will continue to decline no matter how vigilant you are at trying to keep her up to speed. Learning about the Alz/dementia is the best thing you can do for yourself and your mother. It is a progressive disease and there is nothing that can stop it at this point with the research and medication this is available. JeanneGibbs and Ladee are correct and as much as this has hurt you, learning more about the disease is vital to you being able to help your mother. Many nursing homes offer support groups and this site has many discussions regarding Alz/dementia. I am currently going through my second go around with a parent with Alzheimer's. I don't know everything and I fall apart when things gets too stressful. We are all here to help you and support you and we do not judge you. I hope this helps you to understand more a please know, we all care and what to help you with this. Hugs to you and let us know how things are going for you!!

I no way intended to imply you were making your mom feel bad about anything...and don't know why you are so defensive.... and if you are able to help her with this, why did you ask the question? Just curious...sigh.....

Hmm ... so what is the question? Why does your mother have trouble writing cards, addressing envelopes, spelling? Because she has dementia. I don't understand where the confusion comes in. If you know that, what is the question? Are you really asking for some strategies to help her re-learn these tasks? But you didn't say that. And you gave no indication of your background. Many caregivers really don't understand dementia, you know, especially in the beginning.

I think if you look at our profiles you will find that ladee and I have been considered very helpful on this site, for a long time. I'm sorry that we weren't able to guess correctly from your limited question just what you needed to know.

Perhaps I was not clear...the last thing I would do, ladee, is make my mom feel bad about not remembering. I was a special education teacher for 32 years and I am educated re: alz/dementia. My mom has not lost her ability to learn, jeannegibbs, as you have suggested. I am continually spending time with her, developing strategies that will help her perform such tasks. I have always found answers to my questions on this site helpful and supportive with the exception of yours, ladee and yours, jeannegibbs. Thought we were all in this together...sigh...

Let me just expand on ladee's thought ... the education needed here is for you, not your mother. She has lost her ability to learn. But you learning about her disease will do you both good.

Well you stated in your profile she has Alz/dementia.... then there is your answer... possibly you could look on the many threads here and get some insight on how to help her with these things and not make her feel bad for not remembering... and I do suggest you educate yourself about Alz/dementia.... my S doesn't remember what a toilet is or what it's used for.... so education is the key here... good luck to you and your mom...