My 77 year old mum was diagnosed with diabetes 2020 just as Covid/lock down hit. She is currently injecting insulin and on an anti depressant. She constantly complains that her head is not right, she has seen GPs had scans, dementia tests etc which are all ok. She constantly asks questions about people/names from the past and if her family don’t remember she gets very irritated. She’s also irritated with my dad and swears/fights with him. Prior to the diabetes/lockdowm she was fit/active/busy well organised granny who loved life. Has anyone else experienced this - is it just normal ageing or are we missing something?????
Often dementia is diagnosed by first discounting all other possible medical causes: UTI, dehydration, medication inaccuracy (over or under dosing), vitamin deficiency, thyroid issues, TIAs, etc. I agree she should now see a neurologist if she hasn't already.
Wishing you the very best.
So, does your mom have a glucose meter? Does she check her blood sugar regularly? Does she see an endocrinologist? Has her GP tested her A1C levels on a routine basis? Elderly diabetic patients actually have a higher recommended A1C level than other diabetics, because many seniors don't recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia or they are asymptomatic.
If she is not on a continuous glucose monitor, go to your local pharmacy or Walmart and get a glucose monitor and testing strips. A meter will set you back about $20.00; the strips can be pricey, so check out the different prices on the strips and buy the meter that is compatible with the least expensive ones. You need to check her sugar often if she isn't already doing this, especially as she is insulin dependent. If she is checking her sugar regularly and her numbers have been in the recommended levels, I would still bring her into an endocrinologist next, if her GP can't provide any insight as to her health issues.
Good luck.