My mother’s confusion episodes come and go and are worse upon waking up. Is this dementia? Is this normal? This is all new to our family.

I know that you know this, and I hope you already have plans now for a medical check up . You could be dealing with something as SIMPLE as a Urinary Tract infection, as easily remedied as clogged arteries leading to circulatory problems and "mini strokes", or with a rapid onset of dementia. Now is the time for a complete workup as there is no way any of US could ever answer this. I hope when YOU have an answer you will come back to the forum and let us know what the sleuthing uncovers, because the whole idea here is information, gathering it and sharing it. Best wishes and hopes for you and family. Let us know.

Typically dementia begins insidiously ..... with a noticeable difference after a longer period of time. Has she been forgetful or confused and you are just now realizing it because it's worse? Since this seems to be acute, TIA's could be suspect. Has she been checked for a UTI? Any med changes? Has she had a complete physical and lab panels done? Have they performed any tests (MRI/CTScan)? Your profile states she is 90 and does have cognitive decline in the form of dementia......I'm just curious....how is it she was perfectly "normal" just a month ago?