My mom is fairly young, she's 70 and I think she may be in the beginning stages of dementia. There is a history of it in her family. Two years ago she fell down her back stairs and hit her head. She was taken to the hospital and tests were conducted and it was determined that she was fine. Within the past year and half, she has become increasingly paranoid, forgetful and argumentative. She often doesn't make sense when she speaks. She is still seeing the neurologist that she was connected with after her fall. She has made mention of the doctor running more tests and when I ask why, she tells me that he is trying to rack up her bill, clearly that's not the reason. I've tried contacting her doctor and I know he can't tell me anything, but I at least want to express my concern for her health and well being to him. She lives alone and I worry about her and don't know what to do or where to start. I'veI've tried talking to her and she's not willing to cooperate with me, she wants to argue with me. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Either way, the doctor clearly sees problems and would likely welcome your input. What he or she can do about it without help from the family is hard to tell. Try this step anyway and see what happens.
I agree that the head injury could have contributed to this - maybe sped up the development that had already begun.
Good luck,
Carol
That really is the best first step ... have her examined and tested by an expert.
The last fall spiraled Mom's memory into late stage dementia. Doctors tried rehab but that didn't work, thus Mom was placed in long-term-care, and 3 months later she passed.
Head trauma can be serious stuff, and one needs the right kind of doctors to map this all out. Melanie, if your Mom is starting with dementia, I believe there are meds that will help slow down the process, but I am not familiar with the meds.
Hope everything works out for the both of you.
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