Is telling my mom's longtime friends her diagnosis violating her HIPAA rights?

My 85 yo mom lives alone with her dog. I come over almost daily, but she is lonely. Her friends all live in different cities far away. She rejects going to a senior center for activity and interaction. I suggest that she call or write to her longtime best friends, but she can no longer self-start, and when I offer to help, she says no. I would love to contact a few of her pals and let them know what is going on dementia-wise so they can write snail mail to her without expecting a reply. However, as a former healthcare worker, I am very cognizant of HIPPA. Thoughts?