My mother has been on a low sodium diet since the 80's. My mother has been forgetful since 2007. Confusion started last month and went away for 3 weeks and recently came back. She is tired everyday and she gets nauseous. She just came back from the doctor. Her sodium level is just a little low. Could that cause her symptoms of confusion?
As Bablou so wisely said sodium is an electrolyte (as is potassium). Balance of electrolytes is key. Another thing about sodium - it's being found in some studies that older people (in general) shouldn't be on low sodium diets. These one size fits all (and all ages) conclusions can be far off the mark.
The main thing is to go back to the doctor with your mother and say that she is not doing well. There is confusion. Could this be from an imbalance of some kind? An infection? A medication? Blood test can tell a lot, but the tests need to be read by a skilled professional who knows the meaning of the full panel.
Keep at it before you let them brush her off as having confusion because of "aging" or even dementia. Everything needs to be checked before coming to such a conclusion.
We'd love an update on what happens,
Carol
Sadly, the great majority of American MDs know little to nothing about the effect of diet on our health. :(
I agree, go back to the doctor with her and make sure the doc knows she is NOT doing fine, which is almost certainly was mom is saying.
Great Answer too!!
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