Mom is 90 yrs old. She started showing significant signs of the dementia about 3 months ago... now, she falls at least once a week (bones are very strong), can't get her words out to make sense sometimes, can't remember what she is doing, can't pay her bills, tries to cook but burns everything, set the frying pan on fire once but almost the second time within an hour, etc. It seems like major changes daily. Is this normal? Dr. is pretty sure it is Vascular Dementia but we opted to not do any testing due to her age.
I'd have them rule out other things, but, my LO was falling several times per week too, in the AL. It was due to extremely poor balance. She would tip over standing right at her walker. I had her evaluated by a Neurologist, to confirm her primary's VD diagnosis. He ordered MRI and it confirmed multiple strokes and confirmed severe VD.
I wanted the tests to make sure it wasn't something else. She was only 62 at the time.
I'd ensure that she isn't cooking or handling household appliances, never left alone, sharp things removed, medication and cleaners, like bleach out of her reach, etc. Just like toddler proofing a house.
Regarding the falls....my LO had so many falls and fractures, she eventually went to a wheelchair and that was actually an improvement. She was able to scoot around the facility in her wheelchair safely. She could barely get around with her her walker, so the wheelchair added her much more mobility and safety. Most of her falls stopped then.