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susansusan Asked April 2019

Do they reach a point when they don't know that they don't know?

My mom is 99 years old and has Alzheimer's (or dementia or whatever). (Physically relatively healthy.) Aside from all the other issues, she knows that there's something wrong with her. She complains "My brain is sick." and she wants to know when she'll get better. Mostly what she's aware of is her short-term memory loss. I'm wondering what the progression of this self-awareness is. Will she reach a point when she doesn't even realize there's anything wrong? Seems to me, that it will be easier on her if she reaches a point when she doesn't even know.

susansusan Apr 2019
Shell38314, well your answer tells me, hopefully, that at least SOME of them forget.
Faerifiles, OMG "the pleading look" is in her voice whenever she calls (about 20 to 30 times a day). I don't mind the calls - because mostly I let her leave messages - except of course I feel so guilty for not picking up - she doesn't remember that she already called. But I don't have much faith in discussing with doctors.
Segoline, best answer! Who knew there was a word for that?! So I did look it up and there's a LOT to read and I will read all of it.
Thank you

Shell38314 Apr 2019
Yes, they forget that they forget!

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faeriefiles Apr 2019
Sort of? It's been my experience that there are many things they don't know that they don't know but they seem to hold onto a vague sense of confusion/loss till the end. You can see the question in their eyes, the pleading look is there. Sighhhh Wish I had a better answer for you. Maybe talk to the doctors and see what science says about it?

Segoline Apr 2019
Look up anosogosia on this forum.

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