Follow
Share
My mother in law has Dementia, and she calls me names and then denies saying it or she'll kick my foot and tell me to "be nice" after saying something rude to me. It's like a disassociative personality and even her doctor has witnessed it.
Find Care & Housing
Do you want to know why? Is that the question?
This feels like a rhetorical question. Or perhaps, you just needed to vent and share.

The reason is, she has dementia. Her mind is not under her control. She could possibly have some underlying mental illness which is showing itself.

Have you ruled out a UTI? This can cause unusual behavior such as you are experiencing. And it can be treated.

We all know how difficult it is dealing with someone who has literally "lost their mind". I'm sorry to say, it won't get better, and there is nothing you can do about it. You can learn more about her condition. And just know to expect odd behavior and unexpected insults. Try and ignore the things she says, and re-direct her attention to something more positive. Or, just turn your back and leave. Do not attempt to correct her or argue with her or ask her why she did something. It is futile to argue with someone with dementia. It will only result in more anger, confusion and hurt feelings - on both sides.

I wish you patience and a sense of humor as you navigate this new journey. You will need both to survive it!
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to CaringWifeAZ
Report
Freyasmom24 27 min ago
I've just retired completely from being a caregiver for the last 17 years, so I'm aware of the behaviors associated with Dementia. The baffling questions, insisting she did something and knowing that she hasn't. It's frustrating because she only calls me names and not in front of my husband(her son).
(0)
Report
Has she always been like this? My mom even when young didn't mind calling someone names or insulting them to their face. If this is a new thing, it's the dementia probably.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to JustAnon
Report

Dementia sometimes exaggerates behaviors or traits that were long suppressed. That’s one of many possible explanations. Truly, with dementia there are no rules of behavior. I’ve read your other answers, seems you’re completely burned out and resentful in this role. No judgment, just truth, an easy place to be in when you didn’t ask for the huge job and it’s not even your own mother. In your shoes, I’d firmly tell hubby and his family that I wasn’t doing it anymore, go back to work, and let them figure out a new plan. A burned out, resentful, frustrated caregiver isn’t good for their mother, and it’s certainly not good for you. I wish you peace
Helpful Answer (2)
Reply to Daughterof1930
Report

Because she has dementia which makes her unable to empathize, makes her self centered and lots of other ugly things. If her doctor has witnessed this behavior and is confused by it, then she needs a new doctor who understands dementia. Ugly behavior is one of many reasons Memory Care Assisted Living facilities are popping up on every street corner in the USA.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to lealonnie1
Report

Your mother-in-law has dementia. She can't control this behavior.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Rosered6
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter