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Hi, my age 68 mom, who suffers some dementia issues, is seeming to revert to how she was when she was a teenager. She is becoming very self-important, and acting spoiled (she was doted on by her parents), and saying things like she has an immature mind. For instance, when talking about gifts and Christmas in the past, she would say "oh, don't worry about me, or just may something small from Dillards." This was her last email..I asked her what her size is now, I did not tell her what I was going to buy..Mom: "Hi Hon!
If you want to, we can go shopping when you come here. If that is OK. You are so sweet. I haven’t bought a lot of clothes. But I did purchase three pairs of jeans from Dress Barn. (The size is 8 average. The tag is on the inside of the jeans and it says rozandALI. Jeans have sparkles on the back of the jean pockets and in front.) (The next one is stretchy denim so I can where my UGG boots. Same rozandALI but size 4. (nice and soft). (The last one is black , Westport, bootcut. Size 4 average.) Haven’t worn the last 2 jeans.)
Maybe it will be warm (ha) after Christmas. I don’t know if you were planning on getting me jeans and if not let me know."
I don't feel like I even know this woman anymore. In her head she must have been thinking "I want more jeans" then inserted that into what I was getting her. Her sister has also noticed that she is acting like she did when she was a teenager. Mom has gastroparesis, and struggles with eating and staying healthy, but seems to have plenty of energy. Dad dotes on her and does whatever she wants, which doesn't help.

I guess I am wondering if this ever happens in the elderly, or if this is some kind of reaction to stress. It is really bizarre. Maybe I am just overeacting. Thanks for any input, thank you, Shannon

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Wow! My mom is doing that too. I took her to Walmart after she failed to tell me my aunt took her out the day before. I gave her money to buy gifts for her grand kids. We got there and she filled the basket with 50+ items she told me she couldn't live without...a lava lamp was among the many things! I couldn't fathom to figure out why she needed a teddy bear, toe socks let alone a lava lamp!
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Yes, age regression is a frequent component of Alzheimer's, but not necessarily all other types of dementia. Has she gone through acting in other periods in her life? For example, has she ever behaved as a young mother?

Sixty-eight is so young to be caught up in dementia. I am so sorry for her. Maybe having a doting husband is a blessing for her.

If you do go shopping with her, expect it to be like shopping with a teenager. In other words, you may have to set some limits. Tell her frankly that you can't afford something she wants (if it is over the amount you had in mind to spend). Steer her toward the appropriate departments (but at least you don't have to worry about the school's dress codes), and giggle with her over hot fudge sundaes when you are through.

Dementia is bizarre. I am sorry you are going through this, but try to turn it into happy times with Mom. She can't help having dementia. At least she is not belligerent and she still knows and likes you! Seeing your mother behave like a teenager is disconcerting, definitely, but with patience and love I'm sure you can get through it.
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Yes it's normal. My husband has reverted to his teens as well. He primps and struts and argues with me over his clothes if in his mind he doesn't look good. He is very advanced in his alzheimer's now and can no longer dress himself but let me tell you he is still opinionated about his attire. I often say he is 84 going on 16 because that is how he acts. He says very rude things to others and promotes himself shamelessly.
I understand your dismay with your mother's actions and word. And also to say at least she isn't wanting a mini skirt with those ugg boots! My mom did that! OMG at 200 lbs not pretty LOL oh well we love em and have to have a sense of humor and not take things too personally when they act immature. We know that they would not do these things or say these things if they weren't ill.
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I would be concerned with her age. Sixty-eight is pretty young to start having dementia symptoms. She probably will not go for it but neurological testing is in order. You need to know what you are looking at in the future. My Mother is 90 and has also reverted to teen-age like behavior. Very self-centered, worried about what others will think ect....but she is 90 so I pretty much expected that at this stage. Good luck to you on this journey.
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My mom too. 90, sometimes she cares what she looks like, other times not. Her appearance and being fashionable was always important to her and that isn't forgotten in old age. She has been accused of not dressing her age by other elders...but suspect some is jealousy and if it makes her feel good, who cares as long as it isn't inappropriate. Frankly, they are just looking to feel good, young, fashionable again and get a few compliments/noticed.

We cringe, but who is it hurting?
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Thank you so much for all your answers. To be honest, I was praying that I was just overreacting. My mom has had memory issues and many signs of early onset Alzheimer's for a few years. Sometimes she is quite lucid and with it, and other times I have to repeat things over and over and she seems like a different person. My aunt is very concerned, and both she and I have talked to my Dad, and I have discussed it with my Mom, but Dad disagrees there's anything wrong and Mom blames it on her gastroparesis. (Okay..) To be fair, a couple years ago, she placated me and went to a neurologist, but the doctor said she was fine. I do not know what tests were administered, if any. When I talk to my mom about what tests she ever gets, often times she can't remember, or is vague. I do believe 68 is too young to be going through these issues, but I know her best, and she is NOT the same woman mentally that she was years ago. My concern is not that I do not want her to feel good about herself (mom is a fashionista, there was never a problem with that!), it is her immature approach to things. She reverted to immature and selfish thinking when she was staying with my aunt a couple months ago, like it was when she was the pampered princess and my aunt was the sister who had to cook and clean, etc. I am concerned she is getting Alzheimer's, but until things get worse, and my Dad gets his head out of the sand, I doubt she will seek treatment again. I guess I will just have to wait and see. Thank you again, Shannon
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I think you might want to accompany her to her doctor visits, and he will talk to you if she signs the HIPAA form. Take a good look at what medications she is on. Some antidepressants can cause manic behavior and this sure sounds like one. A good neuro-psych exam is in order
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I think you might want to accompany her to her doctor visits, and he will talk to you if she signs the HIPAA form. Take a good look at what medications she is on. Some meds for gastroparesis can cause manic behavior and this sure sounds like one. A good neuro-psych exam is in order.
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I was just reading these answers to the age regression with dementia. Me and my husband have been experiencing things with my mom . Like she acts child like at times. Like for instance my husband was just playing with her with a little sarcasm. She came up to me with a pouty lip and said he was picking on her. It looked like she was about to cry. She is 74. . She was looking for sympathy from me as I was the parent. It didn't work. I said are you about to cry. She No ! I have more important things to cry about . I'm 74. And she walked away. She also hides food in her room like a kid would do. I have been a caregiver for several years now. And I haven't seen this type of behavior with my clients. Maybe this is different because it's my mom.
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All of posts here have very helpful. Thank you !!
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