Can a dementia patient forget a loved one overnight? My mom has always been able to recognize me immediately. Today, for the first time, I am not sure she knew who I was, though she was kind and talkative. Can their ability to recognize others change that suddenly?
Good luck to you
It was the first time that had happened, and even though I knew it would come, it jarred me.
Dementia is SHATTERING. 😩
My Husbands "official" diagnosis was Alzheimer's but I think he also had Vascular Dementia.
With that type of dementia there can be a mini stroke that can cause an "over night" change and depending on what part of the brain was effected by that damage will effect what is "lost". It could be the ability to recognize you, it could be how to use a utensil or how to button a shirt.
So simple answer is yes it is possible.
2 minutes later, she asked, “Is there a toilet in there?”, pointing to her bathroom. 😩
Both were for the first time.
I walked out of there, praying out loud for The Lord to JUST TAKE HER, ALREADY. 🙏
Loves and hugs back at you. Thank you
Having said that, within each "plateau" my mom will have good and bad days/weeks depending on how well she's been sleeping, her anxiety level, and who knows what other factors. Some days she's not even sure who SHE is; other days she's having philosophical discussions about Roe v. Wade. The "bad" periods can be upsetting but I've learned (ok... am still learning!) to just roll with whatever the day brings.
Do definitely check for signs of a UTI, as that can cause severe and sudden (and temporary) changes in cognition.
My heart goes out to you... the first time my mom didn't know who I was, I felt absolutely shattered. The grief literally brought me to my knees. Sending lots of comfort and strength to you!
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