I have observed my mom become forgetful, confused, forget what time, day or month it is but then she'll be pretty rationale about other things. She seems to have lost all ability to do bills, handle the phone (making or receiving calls). No one else has observed it b/c as MANY caregivers will tell you -- we're pretty much on our own. The few times ppl do make their quick appearances in mom's life, mom is so happy about that -- that seems to put her in lucid rationale mode.
So is there a difference between cognitive decline and dementia or is one a precursor to the next? Thanks.
The best thing to do is to get your mother thoroughly evaluated. She can probably hide a lot of the symptoms in a typical 15 minute appointment with her primary care doctor, but a dementia assessment will be more extensive. Alzheimer's Disease Research Centers are usually the best places to get an assessment (http://www.nia.nih.gov/alzheimers/alzheimers-disease-research-centers) but you can also ask her doctor for a referral to a neurologist or neuropsychologist.
What you describe in your mother sounds like the beginnings of dementia. Maybe if she were evaluated she would be diagnosed with Mild Cogntive Impairment, and then if she experienced more cognitive decline she would be considered to have dementia.
Exactly what it is called at this stage probably isn't as important and seeing if there is anything that might help (Aricpet, for example) and learning to deal with the symptoms.
YOU may want to print and start filling in the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimers found on this same website. You can click on it at the bottom of the page too.
I did this on my mother after my brother passed and she moved 100 miles north to our area. I actually was shocked at how much she has declined and I could make note of. This then could be given to her doctors. Once we recognized the diagnosis we have found out there are many resources for help. Bless you on this new adventure. And one thing that is a SILVER LINING is I have met so MANY wonderful caregivers/staff/medical professionals that really care--they have been a blessing to us, even understanding and letting it roll off their shoulders when dealing with my angry/frustrated mom in the midst of her coming to recognize herself she is having memory issues...