Does my mom have cognitive deficit and losing her memory at times?
Hello, I’m new here and definitely new to this topic of memory loss. My mom, who is 74 years old, seems to have lost her memory at certain times. It’s not extreme and it’s not Alzheimer’s but basically what’s going on is in the morning she’s fine and no problems, but afternoon, she can’t recall things that happened earlier in the day. She calls people as if she didn’t speak to them a few hours before and keeps forgetting what month it is multiple times. (Two months ago she was in the hospital after a concession and told her friends she went to the UN for a world peace conference and forgot about being in the hospital until a few days later). Sadly, her landlord is evicting her and all the other tenants in her building, because he’s doing summer rentals so my concern is if I need to put her some of memory care senior living place or not and is this something I can have tested by a doctor so I have an actual diagnosis of what I’m dealing with here. Thanks for any help. I’m literally new at this subject so any help is much appreciated.
It could be something that will heal and improve, or the beginning of a disease in which she will continue to decline.
I think most people prefer to live as independently as possible. As long as she is not a real danger to herself, you could find a senior living apartment home. If she can pay for it, an assisted living would be a great option, as she would live independently in an apartment with other seniors, with care from staff as needed. Many also provide meals in a common dining room, and offer activities for residents.
If that is unaffordable, you can help her apply for low income senior housing. Often there is a wait depending on availability, and she would be totally independent, with no assistance, but would be in a community with other elders.
When she becomes unable to properly take care of herself, then it is definitely time for a memory care facility.
Start with a neurological assessment. That will help you to determine the next step.
My husband has Parkinson’s (14 years) as well as newly diagnosed Parkinson’s dementia. We see a neurologist who is a movement specialist At Muhammad Ali Center in AZ. 2-3 years ago I noticed him leaving sticky notes around to remind him of daily tasks , and by last year it became apparent he was experiencing cognitive decline. His neurologist suggested he be tested by a Neuro psychologist ; he had mild to moderate Parkinson’s dementia. This is a 4 hour evaluation and it was done in the AM when he was at his best. In fact it should be done in the afternoon when he was not at his best; that was my fault . We will be repeating this evaluation again next month from 12-4 pm for a more accurate assessment. Please take notes re: behavior , ability to manage finances , ADL’s . Test before you place her . It sounds like she’s in that fuzzy area btw. okay and needing supervision. In my experience w respite breaks, we found most memory care facility residents are much more advanced than your mother may be , or than my husband is. My husband is at home and we have a daytime caregiver. Before you admit her to any facility- send her for a 2 week - 1 month respite to be sure they are well staffed, there is adequate activity and monitoring , showers at least 2x and wash downs everyday , if she can’t do by herself. Also eat a meal there. We have found a wonderful group home he can go to when I am needing a break. Homelike atmosphere and only 10 residents 3-4 staff during day depending on needs of residents and 2-3 at night. It was not great on activity but fantastic attentiveness, home cooked meals , wonderful happy staff. This is very important. Many many asst. Living & memory care are understaffed, underpaid and working over 12 hr shifts. You might also consider homecare in afternoon, which it sounds like that’s all she needs .
You are a loving son and your mom is lucky to have you watching over her. All the best during this difficult journey. This website is so very helpful and supportive.
There may be several appointments and tests of measurement. Because meds may need adjustment and it might take a while for an official diagnosis.
As far as the eviction, you might want to try independent living to see if she thrives or not. Many of these places have available caregivers for medication management for a fee. They cost a bit but provide sone laundry and light housekeeping. Plus she will be fed.
Take Alvas advice about the TBI. And good luck to you and mom
You can have her tested by a neurologist to see perhaps what kind of dementia she may have, as that will better help you plan for her future. But for now perhaps just moving her into an assisted living facility that has a memory care facility attached would be the best route to go. The folks at the assisted living facility can better advise you if your mother qualifies for their care.
Best wishes in figuring this all out.
If I where you I would Google everything you can about dementia. Go to YouTube and watch everything you can. Teepa Snow is really good expert on dementia. Some don't like her some do.i think she explains things very well.
After you learn more you may pick up other signs that you don't realize is dementia.
Yes definitely tell her doctor and get her tested.
Someone in your family should get power of attorney soon, if you don't already have it, if she has worsining cognitive decline.
Welcome to are forum. Keep us posted on how things go.
Don't be so quick to think she does not have alzheimer's. Her symptoms certainly seem like dementia to me.
I would start writing down the things that are happening. I did that then tried to kind of organize it so I could tell her doctor what was happening. Since she is having trouble in the afternoon, makes me think of sundowners. Look it up. There's lot to read out there.
The doctor can do a basic cognitive test and do some blood work. Sometimes, in my personal experience, people can get wonky if something is wrong in their blood work. For example my MIL had low sodium level and she was acting like she had advanced dementia when she really only had a mild case. Same thing happens when they get a UTI. Some meds can cause confusion. Her "memory doctor" took her off a couple of drugs known for that. On another forum, many have posted about statins making their LO (loved one) very confused and they improved after being taken off them.
I would look into assisted living for her. If they think her memory, etc. are too much, they may suggest memory care instead.
Best of luck.
If she did have a concussion , did all these symptoms begin after that ?
Either way make doctor appts.
"two months ago she was in the hospital after a concession and told her friends she went to the UN for a world peace......"
Do you mean a concussion by any chance?
Ultimately, your mother--yes--needs to be assessed. She should see her GP and you should be there in attendence with your information. She may, if your words "concession" meant "concussion" have a TBI. This can be worked with in many ways and may take some time to correct. And it alone is not a danger to her health if she is otherwise safe, doesn't drive, doesn't wander, and is overall cognitively sound. This all requires assessment by neuro-psych doctors.
Wishing you well and hoping you'll update us after her appointment.