Can people who have dementia issues figure out themselves that they have dementia issues? Is this possible? She (my mum) knows that I'm thinking something's wrong with her, she's aware of me watching her. I want to sit her down and question her so bad, but I'm afraid she would get hurt emotionally. She's humming around the houses so much now. Jesus the humming is sounding like a scary old women in a hunted house. I can't believe this is happening. She eats terrible. How is she able to drive and work at her job? Do people with dementia have the ability to still have a job???? Can people with dementia still able to drive a car? My mum does both......she gets home with no problems. She wakes up on time. She's 73 and moving good but I still see something wrong. Thank you
I don't believe so. She will not one day say, "I have dementia and I need help." With my Mom there were phases ~ like what you are experiencing ~ which "we" (everyone except her) know that there is something not-quite-right. We ( I have brothers ) got a Gerontologist on board to do an assessment to confirm.
How is she able to drive and work at her job?
People with memory issues can drive "IF" not distracted ( which is easier said than done ). The assessment from a Gerontologist may help pursued her to seek alternate transportation if the level of incompetence is of concern.
Do people with dementia have the ability to still have a job????
Yes. Depending on the job and her employer. If your Mom is a brain surgeon, probably not...a baker? ( Did she switch salt instead of sugar? ). Customer service? all in all - it depends what the job is.
Can people with dementia still able to drive a car?
*My Mom supposedly had some sort of incident ( undocumented mini-stroke ) which gave her the excuse not to drive - she gets very nervous - closes her eyes and also hums/whistles.
"She wakes up on time. She's 73 and moving good" = Count your blessing, pick your battles...get her assessed.
You say your mother is "helping" you, your brother and your cousin. You don't say in what ways or how much, and while it is natural for a mom to always step in where help is needed, nevertheless the responsibility of being an emotional or financial support for others will take its toll.
Perhaps counseling with you and your mom together would help sort out what is going on with her as well as yourself, and point to the next step for your family. If you can, include your brother (and perhaps eventually your cousin). You are obviously experiencing major stress, which will have negative effects on both your mental and physical health. Best of luck!
One thing I know is that there are so many different things that cause these symptoms. Your mother could be experiencing some biochemical changes in her brain that could be of various etiology. I think she needs to start with her family doctor and ask for a good work up and referral. She could have depression which also can manifest in a variety of symptoms. It is very natural for you both to be scared and fear can also make things worse. When we are afraid we lose our attention as that is the body's response. I trust you have a good family doctor that can sit down and spend some time with you.