Alzheimers? What to do?

Question

My mother appears to have Alzheimers as her short term memory is almost nil and she is extremely irritable and shows all the symptoms of the disease. When she gets upset about nothing, how should I deal with the conflict as she has lost her ability to reason. Also, I cannot have her committed because I don't want to go into state/foster care. I am 17 and my sister is 15. At what point is it not worth it anymore?

I checked with the local alz. society and she matches all the symptoms. It really is bad and it is more than just "stress" or "depression". I'm stressed and depressed so I would know the difference. She literally asks the same questions at least 10 times an hour and has lost the ability for cognitive reasoning.

Answer 1

It may not be Alzheimers and it may simply be too much stress. In any case, only a qualified doctor can commit her, not you or me.

Answer 2

This is an extremely sensitive situation. Because things are there to help, but if you present her with them she may just get upset with you. Vitamin E is known to prevent, dimencia (the early stages of alzheimers when short term memory loss is first noticed). If your mom is home most of the time, try to get her out for walks. Changing the scene and working her brain will help to keep her brain properly functioning. Cross word puzzles and things like that will help. You are very young. I am assuming your mom is older? Or is there other medical issues contrubuting to this? Remember that if you have her hospitalized, you and your sister are still minors. Do you have family to live with? If not you will become award of the state (foster homes, maybe separated). I am currenlty dealing with this same exact situation, though with my grandmother. It is difficult. But don't give up on her. Is there something more happening that you don't know about? I think you need to try to get her in for a physical. Or even make a call to her doctor and talk about your concerns when she isn't present to protest. Stay strong, and don't give up on her... but also remember that you are young, and you need to live your life as well.

Answer 3

Wow. This would be so hard to deal with at such a young age.

The great thing is that there are medicines that people with Alzheimers can take to help improve their memory. At this point, I would say it is not necessary to have her committed but - take her to a doctor and see if you can get her on any medicines.

My mother is on a few of these medicines and it has made a huge difference in her over-all demeanor and has improved her quality of life.

Don't give up

Answer 4

you seem a little young to have a parent with alzheimers.

there are other brain syndromes which have many of the same symptoms. generically, the diseases are called "dementia."

the good news is that many forms of dementia are treatable. i would not give up but rather get mom to a doctor asap. most american counties have help available. do a search on your county's health web site.

dont worry about state/foster care for you. it is unlikely. the problem that must be dealt with now is not you but your mom.

>>i read the additional details you mention and they do strongly suggest that mom suffers from dementia. nobody can rule out alzheimers on the basis of such a description tho. as i said before, "dementia" is a descriptive term that includes many different syndromes, some of which are harder to treat and some of which are easier to treat. you wont have the answer unless you can get mom to a doctor. if she refuses to go voluntarily, you need to consult your county's public health department.

Answer 5

She needs to see a doctor in case it is early on set alzheimers. If it is, you and your sister will need help to care for her. Everything will need to be done for her. You need to start planning right now if it is. You may not want state care for her, however you may have to have it. Look into Adult day care, special "alzheimers" homes, but first have her see a doctor.

Answer 6

Get in touch with the local Alzheimer's society for information, and help. Also be aware that many patients with Alzheimer's can be violent when confronted. Only you can decide when enough is enough.

Answer 7

I seriously doubt your mom has Alzheimers. Either she is very depressed or she could be going through menopause. What you can do is talk to a family member such as an aunt or uncle or grandmother and tell them about your concerns for your mom. Try not to worry I'm sure she is fine.

Answer 8

I'm so sorry to hear of your situation. Is it possible a social worker could intervene to figure out the best scenario for what's happening and for what's best for everyone. Just know that your Mom doesn't do it on purpose and that you sound like a wonderful son! Are there other relatives who can help you with this? God Bless.

Answer 9

Is there another adult in your family that you can talk to? If there is, maybe you can discuss this with them -- tell them all of your concerns. Hopefully they can talk with her and reason with her so that she will see a doctor for an official diagnosis. If there is no-one in your family, then either you or your sister should talk with a guidance counselor at school -- they can help with this also. The important thing is to have your mom properly diagnosed.

Answer 10

I think you all should look into Home Health Care. Its only gonna get worse. We went through this a couple of years ago. My grandmother was basically fighting us and everything. It was really beginning to get out of control. But you all can't do this on your own. You do need outside help.

Good Luck...