My mom is going crazy and I'm losing my patience. What do I do with her?

How do you know that your mother has Alzheimer's? Is this from your own observations or has she been diagnosed by medical professionals? If she doesn't have a doctor who is following her progress, it is time to arrange that.

Here are some things to know about dementia:

1) It gets worse -- always. If you have had a period where it "wasn't that bad" that is good. It is a progressive disease and it sounds like it has progressed for your mother. That is sad. It is not your fault or her fault. It is the nature of the disease.

2) Many persons with dementia go through a period of repeating the same questions over and over. They truly do not remember that they already got an answer. Arguing with them just results in bad feelings. They don't "learn" to not repeat questions. Answer the question as many times as it i asked, calmly and as if it is the first time.

3) Delusions are also common. Again, try not to get into arguments about the false belief. If she says the President is going to visit tomorrow, say, "Holy cow! We better get the house clean!" Most likely she will forget the delusion. (Although for some people the delusion persists.)

4) Lots of strange things may happen now that your mother's dementia has progressed. The more you can learn about this disease, the better you'll be able to cope. It may also help to join a support group for caregivers.

Make sure your mother has good medical care. Take care of yourself, too!

Please have your mom checked by an MD for a possible UTI. Those are the same bizarre behaviors we saw in my mom until we finally figured out the behaviors are signs of an infection.

So agree regarding the UTI. Have her checked out asap!

I agree with having her checked out for a urinary tract infection, or UTI. My Mom would exhibit strange behavior whenever an infection was coming on. Then she would get antibiotics. When she was in a nursing home for rehab they wouldn't listen to me about her strange behavior and she went into delirium and was rushed to the hospital,( I did not send her back to that NH). An untreated UTI can lead to delirium so please have her checked out. If she has AZ perhaps she can also be given a medication to help with that.

Coditp You say You know Your Mom has alzheimer's so then if She asks the same Question 25-times, just answer as if Your Mom had never asked before. Believe me it's so much easier, focus Your mind as when You remind Your Mom that She asked You that same Question one minute ago, it's almost the same as saying to Your Mom " YOUR LOOSING YOUR MARBLES. Alzheimers is a disease of the brain, and keep reminding Yourself that it's not Yout Moms fault. Lots of patience and kindness.
As for Your Mothers confusion, consult with Your Moms Doctor. It sounds like a UTI.

Abrupt changes need to be reported to your mother's doctor. If you can't persuade her to go for an appointment, call the doctor and repeat what you've said here.

Where is your mother living? Who is responsible for her care? And when you say you 'know she has alzheimer', what do you mean - has she been investigated and diagnosed, or is that just what you conclude from her behaviour?

UTI sticks can be gotten at your pharmacy now.  Near the yeast infection stuff.  Get her to pee on the stick (if she will), and when it turns purple, she has a UTI and may be more easily coaxed into seeing her Dr. My Mom is a lot like yours, minus the dog food incident. Remember to use BODY language and look her in the face to answer, in case her hearing is impaired. Remember she is not doing these things to annoy you (they sure feel like they are on purpose, but they are not), and have her Dr call her, if she won't go in. This worked for me. I hope it helps you. The answers you got are the best replies! All from people going thru this same thing!

This is a sad situation - for the patient with the mental illness but mostly for you. The person is no longer who she was before and that hurts. But now YOU have to decide, can you put up with the constant "crap". Some people can and do but others are just simply not able to tolerate that constantly. And it is never going to get better. So, after consulting with the medical people, you have to make a decision if you want her around you 24-7 and drive you to the point of insanity - which I assure you will destroy you - or do you put her somewhere that she can be properly cared for and you maintain your sanity and peace of mind. Do not feel guilt - some of us can do some things and others can't - so start thinking of yourself now. You deserve a respite.

My late mother was similar. She never answered my question or repeated the same statement 1,001 times over, BUT AND A BIG ONE-SHE did not have Alzheimer's. If this person is eating from the dog's dish (eww-triple gag!!!), it's time to move her level of care up.

Coditp, You've gotten some really great answers here and I agree with them, especially about the UTI's and the fact that changes (or losses) often seem to happen quite quickly. My mom would be able to do something ( like walk) and then (for her) she just lost the ability - from one day to the next! I did notice that when she did have a UTI she always lost some ability...she never was, as she was before the UTI. In the mid-stages of her Alz. she would often become verbally or physically abusive to my dad and I and, sometimes, it almost seemed as if she was crazy....but it was just part of the progression of the disease and you have to just accept it. I think, that this is one of the reasons that it is so hard to be a full-time caregiver of a LO with Alz. Blessings to you, Lindaz.