My mother-in-law (86) is repeating herself frequently. My sister believes its caused by dehydration. I never heard of that, any truth?
She will ask the same question over and over in the same conversation. Or continue calling on the phone and saying the same thing. It gets upsetting and we don't want to get mad at her!
I just went through this right after my husband died. When I finally had my check up by my doctor she immediately checked for urinary infection and sure enough that was part of the problem she explained that urinary infections cause confusion can lead to sepsis and eventually DEATH.
My mom has no short-term memory and so repeats herself frequently and asks the same question over and over. She hasn't had a stroke and is regularly seen by her doctor. I think it's a result of the medications she's on for her atrial fib that slow her heart down and the oxygen to her brain.
But she's able to live on her own (with a lot of help from me) and will be 96 in December. So your MIL's memory problems may just be a result of general cognitive decline. But do make sure she's checked out for other possible causes.
The Mayo Clinic's website has reliable information on a huge range of diseases and conditions. Check out what they have to say about the symptoms on dehydration in children and elders. mayoclinic/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/symptoms/con-20030056 (Usually urls are left in posts if they are to org (rather and com) sites, but in case the address is removed, just search for Dehydration Mayo.)
You will notice that repetitive speech is not listed as a symptom. Why does your sister think Mom is dehydrated? Does she have any of the usual symptoms?
In any case, your mother is exhibiting a new behavior and it is one that could be associated with a number of causes, some of them serious. So it is time to have that checked out. Mom is not likely to say to the doc "I'm here because I keep repeating myself to my daughters" so be sure that message gets to the doctor before he or she meets with your mother.
I hope you'll come back and tell us what you find out. We learn from each other!
She may also have a severe urinary tract infection. It can cause similar symptoms as that of dementia. Let go untreated can create serious issues in her. Get her to the hospital ASAP.
Someone sees her every day and has an aide come 3 times a week to help her bathe so we know its not a stroke. I guess we need to discuss this further with her physician.
If this is something new, she needs to see the MD. Memory loss can also be a sign she is mixing up her meds, or possibly even a stroke. Go see her and check her in person. NOW!
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But she's able to live on her own (with a lot of help from me) and will be 96 in December. So your MIL's memory problems may just be a result of general cognitive decline. But do make sure she's checked out for other possible causes.
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You will notice that repetitive speech is not listed as a symptom. Why does your sister think Mom is dehydrated? Does she have any of the usual symptoms?
In any case, your mother is exhibiting a new behavior and it is one that could be associated with a number of causes, some of them serious. So it is time to have that checked out. Mom is not likely to say to the doc "I'm here because I keep repeating myself to my daughters" so be sure that message gets to the doctor before he or she meets with your mother.
I hope you'll come back and tell us what you find out. We learn from each other!
If this is a new symptom in your loved one, I wouldn't guess or ponder the cause. I'd get her to the ER, urgent care or doctor immediately.