I need advice on strokes/dementia?

Question

My 86yr old mother in law had a mild stroke lastnight. She has had 2 others, the first one being more severe. She was severely confused lastnight during this, she thought that her eye was her ear, she didnt reconize her house, she kept calling me Betty, and my names not Betty. The list goes on and on. What I would like to know is, what can we expect with these little strokes? The doctors dont explain everything and I think that we have a right to know and what to expect. She also had dementia, but her memory has never been as bad as lastnight. Please help someone!!

Answer 1

I'm a young man and just had a minor stroke myself. I was told that a number of minor strokes can cause permanent damage, much like a major stroke. My speech was slightly impaired, my vision has been affected (still recovering slowly), and I had tremors in my left hand to the point where I couldn't grip anything. I've pretty much recovered with exception of the vision & shakes. I was told yesterday I have no permanent damage to my eyes. In your mother-in-law's case, she's much older, and has dementia, too. Recovery might be very slow or she may never fully recover. Call the Doctor and ask him/her for an explanation or have your husband do so since it's his mother. You do have a right to know. Also, do some research on the internet. I do know most strokes are caused by blockages of the arteries leading to the brain. She probably knows who you are, but has problems communicating it to you. She'll liable to get frustrated and upset with you or anyone else. I had mine 6 wks ago and did go through a small period of being frustrated, but I feel very few side affects now. Don't expect much improvement because of her age and current health situations, but hope for the best. Good luck to all of you.

Answer 2

There's not a great deal that can be done with strokes apart from preventing another from occurring. What you need to know however is how to deal with her and what to expect. She should see a neuropsychiatrist or psychogeriatrician who can assess her from the perspective of the level of impairment her dementia has given her and answer your questions.