Could this be early dementia?
Here are some of the things I notice:
1. Has fallen quite a bit over past few years and is fragile.
2. Drops things frequently. No reason.
3. Quick to anger and will not let me explain myself.
4. Repeats a story, but not on the same day. Same story could be over the course of two weeks and will hear it several times. Does not remember that she has told me.
5. Was always friendly, easygoing and compassionate. Gets angry easily, and, at times, is less compassionate, even a bit harsh.
7. Recently told me she is unable to send for mail order item because she cannot do the math. (never had an issue with this before).
8. Is depressed and suffers anxiety.
9. Loud noises upset her.
10. Bad news from the TV upsets her.
One doc said maybe, but exam was just a few questions. I talk to her the most of my siblings. They once a week for a few minutes ... me daily for much longer. I notice things; they don't. So I wonder.
6 Answers
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Those quick office tests do help identify people who obviously have cognitive problems. If you fail, there is something wrong. But there can definitely be something wrong even if you pass. My mother could pass those tests in the early part of her dementia. My husband did well on those quick test for the entire 10 years he had dementia. So don't put a lot of confidence in the results.
Does your mother see a geriatrician?
Assuming they have ruled out a UTI and medication reaction, I would explore if there was a brain issue. A neurologist will also do a test in the office and then order an MRI to rule out a tumor, and probably a Neuropsycholical Exam. It's comprehensive and with all that info, plus a complete medical background review, he can give a prognosis.
My cousin had all the things on your list, plus more, when she was diagnosed, but you can't rely on that. It could be something else and that needs to be ruled out. I know it's so difficult. I wish you both the best.