Because my Grandmother is getting up in age and is saying things that don't make since and are kind of freaky. We don't have a family history of Alzheimer's, but there is someone in our family that went crazy, mentally crazy. Do you think this is what is happening? She says that our Grandpa, which passed away 5 years ago, is living down the street with another women.
2007-07-02 04:43:40 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
your grandmother isn't "crazy" or "insane", she is suffering from DEMENTIA, a common problem in the aged population. Dementia is not always the result of alzheimer's disease, sometimes it can be caused by medications they are on, or even a poor diet. It would be a good idea for someone in the family to take her to a doctor for an evaluation of her state, and recommend care.
2007-07-02 04:48:53 · answer #1 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some mental illnesses do appear to have high heriditability, such as scizophrenia (although, the heriditability of each mental illness is different - thus, there is no "generalized crazy” gene.) However, what your grandmother seems to have is either alzheimers or dementia, both of which are very common in the elderly and have some genetic components. However, I doubt if she inherited “craziness” from your other relative. Regardless, she needs to see someone is she is coming up with these ideas, in case it is a mental illness, or in case it is something different (physical problems such as brain tumors can sometimes lead to disorganized thought, so she should see a medical doctor as well.) Either way, as a family member who loves her you should stand by her and help her as this time is probably confusing, frustrating, and scary for her as well as you.
2007-07-02 11:53:52 · answer #2 · answered by hysterical1015 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is dementia, and it is common with really old people. It can be hereditary, but not necessarily. It can also be caused by environmental factors or just bad luck. It could be Alzheimer's related, but not necessarily. Alzheimer's makes people forget. Dementia, which can be caused my a number of things, makes them imagine things, like your grandpa living down the street. I would not go so far as to say your grandma is crazy, though. It is most likely just a factor of old age.
2007-07-02 11:52:05 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First off it is not nice to use words like crazy or insaine. Yes mental illness runs in families it can be genetic. In your grandmothers case it might be Alzheimers. My grandmother started saying all kinds of strange things when her alzheimers hit. Ask her doctor to be sure what is going on.
2007-07-02 13:00:34 · answer #4 · answered by adobeprincess 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
in answer to your question "is insanity hereditary?"
yes it is, we get it from our children.
as for your grandmothers problem, there could be any number of diagnosis's to consider.
has she been seen by a doctor? Alzheimer's or dementia are both possibilities. she could be reacting to certain medications she is taking. some medicines are very powerful having many strange side effects. there could be a blockage or narrowing of the blood vessels near the base of her brain stem causing lack of blood flow which depletes oxygen. this is common with older people. confusion is quite common as one ages and can have many causes. it could be do to a heart malfunction depleting her oxygen level. does she have other symptoms to indicate such, like headaches, dizziness, blurred vision or loss of balance?
she needs to see a neurologist to determine exactly what is going on with her. she may need to be watched carefully in case she does something really stupid. simply leaving the stove on would be very easy for her to do. and yes certain ailments of this caliber can be hereditary, this sort of thing should be added to your medical history so your doctor has a complete detail of who you are and where you come from. no need for you to be concerned at this point about yourself though, it simply becomes a part of your medical history.
i hope this helps you and you can talk her into seeing her doctor before she gets worse or something bad happens.
2007-07-02 12:36:09 · answer #5 · answered by kityklaws 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some mental illnesses are known to run in families. My family does have a genetic predisposition for BiPolar disorders. However, your Grandmother could have age-related dementia and nothing for you to worry about. A physician should evaluate that.
2007-07-02 11:53:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
she could be suffering from delirium. it causes problems with memory in people with all ages. i'm going to assume that your grandmother takes other meds for things. sometimes meds can cause. minor strokes that you are not aware of can cause this. then again it could be alzheimers. your best bet is ti get your grandmother into her doctor for a full check up and lrt the doctor know what's been going on. hopefully he'll be able to come up with some answers for you. GOD BLESS YOU.
2007-07-02 11:53:02 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
some mental illness are shown to run in families, like depression and anxiety. Your grandma just may have dementia which happens sometimes with older people.
2007-07-02 11:46:56 · answer #8 · answered by littletricky 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes it is hereditary.
but your grandma has senile dementia,just something that happens with age.not an hereditary illness.
do not worry for your mental well being.just be patient with her.
this is a very difficult thing to go through!!!!!patience and good luck
2007-07-02 11:57:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
this seems like a crazy question.
2007-07-02 11:48:05 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋