My mom is undiagnosed but something has changed. The new behavior has been happening on and off significantly for 6 months (other behavioral changes, maybe a couple of years back).
She very easily gets angry. Her words are harsh and vicious. She cries just like a baby. Sobs loudly and uncontrollably. This happens if there is any change in a situation or slight look or comment.
It’s to the point where we’ve wanted to take her to emergency. We tried having her evaluated several months back, but the psych (in her words ) was rude and sarcastic and said she just needs to get out more. I wasn’t there in the room, so I don’t know what happened. I was in the room for the intake and that person gave her an evaluation and didn’t see any memory issues. My mom is good at chit chatting and BSing her way through things...not sure if that’s possible with a memory test or not.
My mom has also struggled with opioid abuse, but we don’t believe she’s taking any. This could be the change we’re seeing, but I don’t know. Her sibling passed away from dementia this past year, so this could be either.
She asks us the same questions over and over all day long. Right now she’s just furious and this has been a weeklong fit of crying and accusations. When I say “fit” I mean telling us the worst things about us, screaming, locking herself in her room and so on.
Do people with dementia usually remember a conflict they had with someone from the day before?
Hurt and and feeling hopeless. I don’t know how you help someone who is so stubborn.
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Shes pretty cagey when discussing looking into further evaluations and past conversations with her doc. She changes the subject and even simply hangs up on me.
Her hygeine is very poor and diet, just as bad. She has become a severe hoarder and is surrounded by things in her room. Seriously...it’s mind boggling how we even got to this point. She does not live with me, but with my sibling who is too ill to really even care for her.
How do you get a feisty woman in her 80’s to 1. See a doctor and specialist 2. Deal with addiction and 3. Possibly change homes?
Maybe taking her to the ER when she’s in the throes of this behavior would get you answers. She may be referred to a mental health professional. You may see a social worker who can help with placement. Mom definitely has issues and you need to find out with what.
I dont know if shes being given meds by her doctor. I’ve tried telling them that she has a problem with them, but she’s very good finding a way to get a hold of them.
There is absolutely no way to get her into a doc without there being an emergency and having paramedics come.
Im at a loss.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=peMXeud-gzU
http://www.alzheimersweekly.com/2013/12/caring-for-vascular-dementia.html