My mother is in good health and has not shown other dementia or Alzheimer's symptoms. She is very intellectual and still works full-time programming computers. Her suspicions of others has caused bazaar behavior like seeking friends and neighbors to be on her "team" to break up a relationship between her son and his girlfriend. She has also befriended people she has despised for years seemingly in hopes of reaching her goal(the break-up). She denies all of her actions like she doesn't even remember doing them and is no longer speaking to those who confront her about this issue. She has complained about not sleeping well because of it.
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Q: Is my 58yo mother's suspicions, mood swings and denial of wrong doing related to dementia?
Answers (1)
1/28/09 7:58am
Denial often comes from truly not remembering. And mood swings, paranoia and suspicions can certainly be related to dementia. There are many kinds of dementia, and the earlier the type is determined, the better, since treatment can hold off some of the worse symptoms for awhile.
Your mother is high functioning and will likely fight it if you try to take her for a memory test. I'd ask her about the last doctor appointment for, say blood pressure, or whatever health realted issues she has had. Then try to go with her. Send the doctor a letter ahead of time and relate what you see. Once she is there, she may cooperate, as many people see doctors as "the boss."
Your mother is young for these symptoms, but dementia can start young. However, she may have other mental health issues. One clue is change. Was she always controlling with her children's choices? If you can clue a doctor in on changes in behavior, that may help a lot in a diagnosis.
It's great to have your check in with us. Please keep in touch. It will be educational for us all to see how you handle this and what results you see.
Carol
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By HQ— Last Modified: 11/16/10, First Published: 01/27/09
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