Mom has started arguing and crying in the morning, talking nonsense. What should I do?

Yeah, I was thinking about ativan. She has taken a little of it before. Ativan would probably be okay. She probably has Lewy body dementia, we have to be careful with the drugs. But that's the best one. Luckily, we're seeing her shrink tomorrow. Good point about letting her have control of the decision, although she's not too good with that now...

drugging up an elder is not the most desirable situation but if my mother wasnt taking ativan she would live in a constant state of panic. also i find that reviewing the patients options with them then leaving all the decisions up to them lets them retain some semblence of control. face it, if i were 81 years old you wouldnt tell me shit..

For once I think we're on top of the UTI thing. It's a constant problem with her. I check her urine each time she goes. But if it's not that (never sure it isn't), it might be another physical thing like that. Thanks for reminding me.

On the other hand, her confusion is rapidly accelerating in the last 3 months. I'm afraid it just may be the way it's heading.

Without more information on your mom, my first thought is to have her checked for a Urinary Tract Infection... it will cause abrupt behavioral changes, mood swings, and confusion....it can be treated simply if it hasn't gone too far... this is something we should all keep an eye out for with our elders... let us know what happens.... hugs