For a while I've been concerned about my mom's memory. Just little things I've noticed. Not remembering things that should come easy, personality seems a bit different. She is still driving and attends a class at a local university its a free thing they offer seniors in the area. She does not do the work but enjoys the lectures and the reading. She reads quite a bit as well. But yesterday we were attending calling hours for a family member. I had spoke with my mom twice that afternoon about when she would be arriving. She rode with my brother. When I got there I saw my mom and walked over said hi and gave her a hug. She looked at me and said I'm sorry your face looks familiar and I know I should know who you are. I was shocked because nothing like this has happened before. I responded by saying it's me Jill with a look of surprise. She then said did you change something you look different and I told her no and she knew who I was the rest of the evening. I'm very concerned by this. From what I've read its a late sign of dementia but I haven't seen anything else this alarming. Has anyone else experienced something like this? I called her later that evening to see how she was doing. I didn't mention what happened but neither did she.
Or contact HER doctor and ask for advice.
Time for you to be proactive. Hoping for you and mom.
That said, before my mother was officially 'diagnosed' with dementia, she started introducing me as her 'mother'. I thought she was joking at first, expecting to see her laughing, but she wasn't. That was the pivotal moment in time I KNEW something was wrong, and had her medically evaluated. Your mother forgetting your face is a huge red flag that she is having some cognitive issues herself, and is a lot further along than you suspect.
Best of luck and my condolences on a difficult situation.
Keep her active and engaged for as long as possible, but put more safety nets in place around her and it's time to put up the car keys.
This is the start of a long process and my heart goes out to you.
Happened to my mom. She doesn't have dementia.
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